Cam Heyward Challenges Struggling Steelers Defense To ‘Get Better’

Cam Heyward sent another stern message to a floundering Pittsburgh Steelers defense.

The Steelers have surrendered 68 points in two straight losses. Heyward questioned the unit’s fight following Sunday night’s 35-25 loss to the Green Bay Packers, asserting that they didn’t respond well to adversity during a rough second half at Acrisure Stadium.

Heyward discussed his post-game criticism on Thursday, per TribLive’s Joe Rutter, noting that he addressed the team before voicing his frustration to the media. The defensive tackle urged himself and his teammates to improve.

“Anything I’d say to you, I’d say to them first,” Heyward said. “I just think we all have to get better. I challenge everybody, and I challenge myself first and foremost. That’s the way I was raised. You can’t look at anybody else. You have to look at yourself. The way to get this bad taste out of our mouth is to play better football.”

The Steelers have slipped to 30th in total defense, allowing 386 total yards per game. They’re last against the pass while allowing 4.3 yards per carry.

Consecutive losses have also weakened their grip on the AFC North. They’re 1.5 games ahead of the Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens, who won behind a returning Lamar Jackson on Thursday night and still play Pittsburgh twice this season.

The Steelers must reverse their woes against the 7-1 Indianapolis Colts, who boast the NFL’s top-ranked offense.

“It’s a new week, a new challenge,” Heyward said. “I don’t look at it as being in a tight spot now. I just think we’ve got to play better ball. These last two games haven’t been what we want. You have to be playing your best ball late in the season, and I think we’re climbing to that.”

Expect Heyward to remain vocal if the defense performs short of his expectations this Sunday.

“I’m not going to shy away from it,” Heyward said. “I think we have to play better ball. If we have a problem with it, let’s handle it on the field. Everybody has been open to me. I’m not running from it. Just know it’s coming from a good place, and I want our defense to be successful.”

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