Right now, the fact that Pittsburgh Steelers’ Captain and All-Pro Defensive Lineman Cameron Heyward is absent from OTAs is not a big deal. In fact, it might actually serve the long-time Steeler well in the long run as the lack of reps in otherwise meaningless practices takes no toll on his body. Heyward knows the defense as well as he knows his own family at this point in his career and he has the complete confidence of Mike Tomlin. The only head coach Heyward has known in Pittsburgh realizes what is happening and knows Heyward will be ready when the time comes.
If you’re at all curious as to how Heyward’s absence affects things, you can find the best sports betting apps to take advantage of this upcoming season. While I agree that Heyward’s absence isn’t a huge deal at the moment I am also concerned about the long-term affects. Yes, Heyward is no doubt doing all of the right things. He is lifting weights, conditioning etc. And there’s little doubt that he’s keeping up with everything happening on the Southside. So why do I think this could be a problem?
While Heyward has the respect of adoration of the Steelers who have already been there, his lack of presence around a significantly large group of newcomers concerns me.
Every single contract situation the Steelers deal with is different. There are few that have all of the same issues from one guy to the next. Therefore, we shouldn’t compare Heyward’s situation to let’s say, T. J. Watt’s. There are definitely some similarities but there are also staggering differences. From the position they play to the differences in age at the time of the respective situations, the discrepancies are glaring.
I wish Heyward were doing what Watt did which was to do a ‘soft holdout.’ Watt was there every day and in his full practice gear performing individual drills while at the same time he was NOT participating in team drills. I think Heyward could have very much done the same thing in this situation but I’m not going to get too carried away with it. As I said, all of these contractual issues are different and Heyward feels this is the best avenue for himself.
Why do I not like it though? This is a team facing a ton of uncertainty. A new offensive coordinator… A new quarterback… Young talent all over the field… Heyward’s attendance is invaluable. In fact just his mere presence is a major positive. We all know the feeling of seeing a team legend on the field, in the locker room and in the same facility you’re in. You see how he interacts with teammates, coaches and staff and that’s part of the growth of young player.
But when you have the opportunity to interact? That’s when Heyward’s attendance becomes the most crucial. How does this guy talk? How does he relate to me? Does he know anything about me? Is he a guy I can go to when I’m in need of advice? All of these and many more are reasons why Heyward should be there.
At some point I expect this situation to get itself figured out and Heyward will be back and all will be forgotten. I just hope it doesn’t fester into something bigger and become a problem down the road.
