The Pittsburgh Steelers found themselves with multiple issues on the defensive side of the ball last season. Despite a solid start, Steelers fans continued to voice their frustration throughout the entire year regarding apparent communication issues in the secondary. There were multiple key issues on defense overall, but Steelers captain and defensive tackle, Cam Heyward, had no problem thriving in 2024 in its entirety.
Heyward, who is entering his 15th NFL season, is a seven-time Pro Bowler and continues to play a major role on Pittsburgh's defensive line year after year. While Heyward shined in essentially every game last season, the 14-year veteran had an outstanding performance against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6. He was credited with four total tackles and one sack, as the Steelers' star had no issue facing then-rookie Raiders offensive lineman, Jackson Powers-Johnson.
Powers-Johnson, who appeared on The Rush with Maxx Crosby recently, took a moment to comment on his matchup with Heyward.
"Speaking to Cam [Heyward], you did beat me," Powers-Johnson stated. "He did beat me. I got my a** kicked that day."
Powers-Johnson then went on to speak about his desire to play with the best, while also saying he would love to have a rematch with Heyward in the future.
"I understand, but I want to go against the best. I'm never going to back down against that. I would love to play against him again, and I hope he has a great career."
Powers-Johnson, a second-round pick in last year's NFL Draft, is a promising offensive lineman who struggled against Heyward and the rest of Pittsburgh's defensive line in his rookie year. Powers-Johnson was a star at the college level, as the former Oregon Ducks interior lineman was credited with First Team All-Pac-12 honors in 2023.
While the rematch between he and Heyward is not set to happen officially until at least 2027, fans should continue to keep an eye on Heyward as the veteran has shown no signs of declining and may very well perform at an elite level once again in 2025.
Heyward may prove to play a major role off the field in 2025 as well, as the veteran is expected to be an excellent mentor for Pittsburgh's rookie defensive lineman, Derrick Harmon. Harmon, a first-round pick out of Oregon as well, was widely regarded as one of the top defensive line prospects in the entire draft and should have no problem thriving with Heyward as his mentor. With both Heyward and Harmon set to play extensive snaps this season in the Steel City, the team is expecting a boost in production on the defensive side of the ball -- especially with their run defense.
Steelers May Have Another Surprise Defender For 2025 In Their Front Seven
The Steelers will need multiple defenders to step up come September, not just Heyward, if the team is going to have any kind of chance at a deep playoff run. Linebacker Cole Holcomb faced a significant challenge with a major knee injury that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season. Heyward recently spoke to Holcomb’s journey and the respect he’s garnered from his teammates this offseason, noting that it's been special to see how far he's come. Look for Holcomb to be a key contributor and depth piece in 2025.
As the Steelers suffered a five-game losing streak last season, including a Wild Card Round playoff loss, their run defense took a lot of the blame. Players like Heyward and Holcomb will certainly be called upon once again to make sure there's not a repeat ending in 2025.
