Cameron Heyward sets lofty expectation for Steelers defense in 2022

On a recent episode of Good Morning Football, Pittsburgh Steelers star defensive lineman Cameron Heyward was asked to revisit some comments he made about his defense. Heyward said earlier in the offseason that when the Steelers defense steps onto the field, it should be the number one defense.

Those are some lofty expectations from the former Ohio State Buckeye. However, the Steelers’ defense is full of talent at all three levels. So they could be the number one ranked defense at the end of the 2022 season. But could it also be the best defense Heyward has ever played on?

“It can be. It’s not short of talent. You look at all three levels; I feel like we have the guys up front; me and TJ in the middle. We got Myles Jack and Devin Bush (at linebacker). And then, on the back end, you got a guy like Minkah (Fitzpatrick), Terrell Edmunds, Levi Wallace, and Ahkello Witherspoon,” said Heyward. “So you put that group together; we feel like we should be dominant.

“But I don’t like saying it. We gotta go out there and do it”

With the amount of talent the Steelers have on defense this year, it is reminiscent of their legendary defenses of past teams. From the dominant defensive line of the 70s, earning the name the Steel Curtain. To the late 2000s, with Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark at safety and James Harrison and Larry Foote leading the linebackers. Heyward believes this defense has the potential to etch their names in Steelers lore like those past defenses, if they play to their potential.

Steelers claim Ryan McCollum off waivers, make corresponding move

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Tuesday that they claimed former Texas A&M offensive lineman Ryan McCollum off waivers from the Detroit Lions. In a corresponding move, the team waived former Wake Forest offensive lineman Nate Gilliam.

Both players are listed at center, leading the team to avoid a roster jam as cuts continue throughout the preseason.

After becoming a team captain at Texas A&M, Ryan McCollum entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Texans. After beginning with the practice squad, the Lions claimed the rookie and pit him on the active roster. He made 13 appearances with one start in 2021.

Now on his third NFL team, McCollum will look to make an impact on the revamped offensive line. Which has seen massive turnover in recent seasons as veterans move on or retire; giving way to young talent and veteran acquisitions.