By Anthony Licciardi
Father Time is undefeated.
The NFL is filled with future victims, an inevitability we get to watch in real time. Just last year we saw Ben Roethlisberger cosplay as an NFL quarterback in his final season. Time and time again, we’ve seen all-time greats fall off their horses as they head for the sunset.
Is Cameron Heyward next? The late bloomer has seen his chances at the Hall of Fame skyrocket in recent years. He’s been named to four All-Pro teams and five Pro Bowls in the last half-decade. In that time he’s logged 43 of his 68 career sacks for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Heyward is a stalwart star through and through for the Steelers.
Entering his age 33 season, Heyward will be tasked with anchoring a defensive front that employs superstar T.J. Watt. Headlining Pittsburgh’s run defense and pulling his weight as a pass rusher will be incredibly important for a team whose offense is not projected to light the scoreboard up.
Whether or not Heyward can preserve his prime for one more year may tell the story of the 2022 Steelers and makes him their defensive X-Factor.
Can Heyward keep dominating in 2022?
We never know when our favorite athletes are going to become washed. The nightmare of our superheroes turning out to be mortals just like us is always around the corner. We saw Drew Brees check down to his running back for what felt like three straight seasons. Todd Gurley went from superstar to fantasy liability in about a week and a half.
The good news is, despite his age, Heyward shows no signs of slowing down. He’s surpassed 30 pressures in each of the last three seasons. In that time, he has seen his QB hurries increase from 11 to 12 to 15. He’s finished second in PFF grade among interior defensive lineman twice since 2019, including last season. One could make a very convincing argument that only the legendary Aaron Donald is better at his position.
So can it happen? Sure. We’ve seen guys like Jason Pierre-Paul and Nate Solder fall off at similar points. Right now though, there isn’t much evidence to suggest Heyward is trending downwards.
What does that mean for Pittsburgh? DraftKings is currently offering +330 odds to make the playoffs. With an $100 bet and a big season from Heyward, you could land an extra $330 in your pocket.
Maybe Father Time has already caught up to you and your achy back, but Heyward is still duking it out at 33. Until I see otherwise with my own eyes, I’m trusting Heyward to produce for the black and gold.