5 players besides Ben Roethlisberger the Steelers can’t afford to lose in 2020

Cam Heyward

Heyward has been one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the league since he began his career. He has also been a severely underrated player in the league.

Cam is a quiet leader and lets his play do the talking on the field. He isn’t afraid to take the reigns and really drive a point home but, for the most part, he is able to get his point across subtly and firmly.

Heyward has been a mainstay on the defensive line in Pittsburgh aside from an injury in 2016 limiting him to just seven games. He has had an extremely dominant stretch since that injury, however, recording 29 sacks, 63 QB hits, 37 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles in 47 games.

The Steelers defense has always only been as good as its defensive line. The front 7 plays a huge part in how well the secondary plays and it starts with guys like Cam Heyward.

He is also very instrumental in the passing game and his brute strength allows him to plug gaps and force backs to try and cut and the rest of the defense is there to clean the play up. He is a mammoth of a man and plays every snap utilizing his frame to the fullest.

Heyward and Tuitt make quite the pair when both stay healthy and both will start the year ready to go. Losing Cam at any point would be a huge blow to Tuitt and the rest of the defense and team.