Eating crow on Heyward

I refused to like his contract talks.
I refused to like what we gave him on his contract.

I even showed numbers that he was going down.

I even showed his impact on 3rd downs.

So I apologize. I'll go sit in the corner.

 

Also I'll go ahead and get it out of the way. Wilson. Defense. I was worried of injury history. But he's staying in great form.

 

Sounds good.

 

All that crow right after all that turkey? That's a lot of bird mash.

 

I was skeptical of that contract too, but he has been nothing short of amazing.

 

100% agree Mashburn, all that off season stuff but he has proven a lot of us wrong. He knows he can’t always get to the QB like old but his timing to deflect passes is huge.

 

Football was in his veins from birth

 

I get a break next week. And then it's eagles and then Ravens.

 

At least You have the balls to admit it.

 

And i hate it when I'm right about a player but going to work out.

 

Heyward is playing really well right now. I’d love to make the playoffs and have this team healthy.

 

I have to admit. I didn't think Heyward was still capable at playing at this level. I didnt mind the contract just because at least that meant he would retire a Steeler. But he looks better than he has in the last few years. So I will share a bit if that crow.

 

so, his contract. He had one final year left, before this season, correct? Is he playing BETTER because he got an extension? I am not sure of that......

The real test of his contract will be the next 2 seasons.

BUT YES - he continues to play at a HIGH LEVEL. There was plenty of doubt that he could return to 2021 form. He has. He is an all time GREAT STEELER, for sure.

 

I never doubted the talent and the abiilty to at least take on more than one OL (keep them busy), but I didn't think he'd last this long without an IL stint. He has to stay healthy. He may be one of the top 3 or 4 most important players, even if his job is not the highlight reel one. Think of how easilty other teams would push us around if Heyward is on the sideline without pads. Scary thought.

So, i was definitely on the fence about his contract. Mostly durability concerns of an "old" (NFL wise) man.

 

I think some were reacting to his performance last year; however, he was injured much of the year. The two years previous to that were big years for him.

To me, the question was more about whether he could return to previous form or to what degree would he start a decline. Given his history with the team, I was fine with a reworked deal to allow him that opportunity.

Kudos to Heyward as he seems to be back to normal form.

 

Not too many guys play as well as he has at his position well into his mid (and closing in on late) 30's. A true anomaly. Glad he's been on our team for his whole career. Now lets go win one while he's still the man haha

 

He’s playing better because he is healthy