4 Steelers to watch against the Browns on Thursday Night Football

Player to watch No. 3: Cameron Heyward

While most Cleveland fans focused on the fact that Ben Roethlisberger owned the Browns throughout his career in Pittsburgh, the maligned quarterback was not alone in that dominance. Cameron Heyward has been taking the team’s lunch money since 2013 as well.

The former first-round pick out of Ohio State has been terrorizing the trenches in this AFC North rivalry since he earned his starting spot at defensive tackle. In Pittsburgh’s 3-4 defense, it’s the rush outside linebackers that get all the publicity, as well as the sacks, but Heyward is the straw that stirs the drink and allows their edge defenders to play freely. Heyward mans the middle and occupies the attention of everyone in his vicinity.

While the ‘son of Iron Head’ does not get the notoriety of defensive tackle Aaron Donald, he has been nearly as dominant over the last five seasons. Since 2017, Heyward has been named to five straight Pro Bowls and has been named a First-Team All-Pro in three of those seasons. Even now, entering his 12th season in the league, Heyward is as dangerous a proposition to block as any player in the NFL.

Against the Browns, in particular, Heyward is the focal point in the run game due to his ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage and take away rushing lanes. Cleveland employs two of the best guards in the game. But even for Wyatt Teller and Joel Bitonio, dealing with Heyward is a gargantuan task.

So, if the Browns have a hard time establishing their run game against the Steelers, there is a massive chance that number 97 has something to do with it. Heyward is definitely someone you want to keep your eye on Thursday night.