Cam Heyward, Nick Herbig, Jack Sawyer Media Availability (Dec. 12) | Pittsburgh Steelers

Do you guys change much if TJ can’t play? Obviously, he’s an important part of the defense. What kind of happens there? Um, you know, obviously got to make adjustments. Um, but I think there’s a lot of confidence in in that group especially. Um, you know, to have a rotation already with TJ, Alex, Herb, and Jack has been pretty special. Um, and now we just get to rely on our depth in that. Have you contact with him at all? Yes. on a human perspective. I mean, how tough and kind of scary is this situation that he’s dealing with just for, you know, all of you guys? This is someone you’ve known for a long time. Yeah. Um TJ is a really good friend of mine and um you know, one thing we always care about is just how how the man is doing. And um you never want to hear anything like that ever happen. But um you know more concerned with just how he he’s doing on um you know a friend level and you know as a brother came out. How is he doing? How is he doing? Uh we talked this morning but you know that’s not for me to describe. I think um I’m just happy you know I get the chance to talk to him. Kim injuries obviously have played a lot into Alex this season but what kind of impact has he made when he’s been able to be out there for you guys? Well, you know, uh, Alex is one of those players that can play run and pass. Um, there’s not a deficiency in his game. Um, you know, the conversations we have, uh, in studying our opponents, you know, he’s really just stepped that up this year, I think, especially. Um, and we’re just going to need more of it. You know, we look for him to step up as a leader in that group. Um, you know, and, you know, Nick and Jack all have to be a part of it as well. What would it mean for you guys if you’re able to get Derek back on Monday night? Um, I haven’t even thought about it. I I think uh whenever Dererick’s ready, um, you know, we will welcome him with open arms, but uh, you know, I I can’t really contemplate or, you know, really think about who’s not going to be there or anything. It’s just we go with the guys we got and we got to get the job done. There’s a big difference in the run totals that you’ve given up when he plays versus when he doesn’t. How much is he a factor in that or is it the opponent that that that the numbers have been such a disparity? I think um both can be a combination of it. Um you know I think Derek uh is very stout. U we’re having guys that are learning and you know coming along very well but um you know it’s kind of the same with DJ. You can’t just go out there and replace them. You got to have other guys step up and you know it’s more more done by committee. Is the the run defense a concern after the last two games? run defense is concerned. Um, but we got a hell of a challenge. Uh, we get to play the Miami Dolphins that, uh, have a really good run game. Um, Achain is, you know, one of those top backs in the leagues that, um, when he gets going, the whole team feels it. And you’ve seen the last five weeks, that’s the reason why they’re winning games. With AJ, is it him getting to the outside that really separates him maybe from some other guys back? him getting to the outside, but I think the thing that really separates him is uh his contact balance. Um you know, the fact that he’s able to, you know, run through tackles, that New York Jets game, if you watch it, um it it’s pretty disparaging if you if you just listen to it with the sound on. Um but, you know, a lot of respect for those guys uh from where they were at the beginning of the season to where they are now, they came a long way. What’s it going to be like to see Minka on the other side there? You keeping much contact? Yeah. Um, you know, Mink is pretty locked in the these days, but um, you know, I just remember all the all the memories and, you know, appreciative of not only working with him, but getting to know him and, uh, you know, I’m sure we’ll line up against each other on field goal and field goal block. So, I’m going have my hands full. Kim, you’ve played for the same head coach your entire career. There aren’t very many players in the league that can say that. What does having stability like that from the top down do for a player and for a locker room? Um, understand the message uh going into any situation. Um, and I just think um through that uh culture breathes itself. Uh it’s not like uh something gets changed and then the whole locker room is in flux. Um we know where we stand. We know what’s asked of us and uh you know I think we like to be challenged in that way. I know you never want to see one of your friends in the hospital. Have you talked to TJ? How’s he doing? And how you feeling about it right now? Uh yeah, that’s my dog. Uh praying for him, praying that everything’s going to be all right. Um how much do things change if he can’t play? Um I think, you know, TJ’s done a great job of being a leader, not just in the room, but in the whole building, organization. I think he rubs off on a lot of people in the right way. Um, and I’m not worried at all because we have great guys, great leaders, um, that’ll pick up that slack fat for each. Um, and I think that he’s prepared not just myself, but a bunch of the younger guys in that sense to be able to take on that larger role, um, not just as a player, but as a leader, um, and bringing that energy and just doing everything that he does, right? How much do you think you’re ready to step up and be that energy giver? I mean, the two of you guys can really get after it and and create that energy together. Is that something that you know you’re ready to step into if needed? Yeah, I mean, and I think that’s been kind of the name of the game my career since I’ve been here. Like just being able to stay ready. Uh never know when your number is going to get called. Never know um when you’re going to have opportunities to help the team in a bigger role. Uh so I think that’s kind of been, you know, my story. Um and I accept that. I accept my role on this team and I’m going to do whatever I can to help. you guys have dealt with these challenges at positions with injuries so far this year. Is this just do you guys just look at it as okay, we all got to step up again. Another one of our guys is Yeah. Um, you know, next man up mentality, uh, keeping the standard a standard and, uh, you know, I know that TJ has full trust in me and the room and the group that we’re going to be able to, you know, pick up the slack for him and obviously you can’t replace a guy like that. Uh, you know, a Hall of Famer, the best in the league, the best to ever do it. Uh it’s it’s hard to replace a guy like that, but we’re going to do everything in our ability to make sure we do the right things by him. What kind of a differencemaker is Alex when he’s healthy? I know he’s dealt with a lot of injuries, but what does he do for you guys when he’s out there and he’s able to play? Yeah, I mean I think you saw it last game. That’s a clear representation of who he is. Um you know, the type of plays he provides, the type of splash he makes, like game on the line, like he go make a play for us. Like that’s who Alex is. That’s who he’s been his whole career. there’s a reason he’s been here as long as he has and why he’s had multiple contracts and um you know I’m surprised he doesn’t even have a pro bowl or none of that like dude that dude’s a baller um you know love seeing him healthy balling out um and we all knew that that’s what he does everybody knows that Tua is from Hawaii you’re from Hawaii he does not play great in cold weather have you been able to adapt to cold weather it’s going to be cold out there on Monday is that something you’re looking forward to going against him when you know maybe you guys have an edge playing in this all the Uh yeah, I guess so. I mean, I went to Wisconsin, so kind of got used to the cold in that sense. So, it’s it’s whatever at this point. Nick, did facing a lefty last six kind of help you out at all for for this game? Is it weird facing a guy who throws from the other side? I mean, yeah, it’s different. You know, different angles, different uh sense in looking for the ball and uh you know, his escape angles and where he’s looking and feeling pressured from. So, it’s definitely different, but um I think we got great coaches and great players around to help with that. Now, what stands out about their run game? I mean, it seems like they’ve got that center kind of pulling around a lot and taking out linebackers, edge guys. Is it pretty creative what they do? Yeah. Um and I think it starts with 28. Uh he he’s a beast. Uh you know, he’s fast. He’s got elite speed, elite skill. Um he’s a lead running back in the NFL. Um so, we’re going to have to contain him for sure. You know, I know I know you never want to see one of your teammates in the hospital. Have you talked to TJ and and how’s he doing? Yeah, I just text him to check up on him. You know, I think you know, he’s doing well and uh you know, it’s still possible that they play Sunday and you know, we just you know, I care about him more than a football player, too. So, you never want to see something like that happen. And you know, what he means to us in this organization. So, it’s one of our brothers and you know, hopefully, you know, he gets back soon. Healthy. Does he sound Does he sound like he might play? Uh, I have no idea. You know, I I didn’t even know what was going on until yesterday. So, like I said, I’m just, you know, praying for him, hoping he’s feeling better, and uh, you know, we miss him. How much will things change without him out there if he doesn’t play? Uh, you know, I don’t I I couldn’t tell you that. You know, I know that, you know, when he is out there, he’s, you know, one of the best to ever play. So, you know, when you have a guy like that out there, uh, it’s a game changer. So, um, you know, I think that, you know, all we’re doing right now just hoping he’s getting better and feeling better and and, uh, just here praying for him. Jack, if needed, do you feel ready for more snaps? How how do you feel like you’ve progressed throughout this season? Yeah, I mean, I feel like I’m getting better each week and uh getting more comfortable with this level each week and and the scheme and and uh you know, just trying to help this team win anyway I can. I know Alex has obviously dealt with a lot of injuries this year, but when he’s healthy, what kind of a difference does he make as an edge rusher? Yeah, I mean, he’s one of the best players in the league, too. You know, I’m blessed to be in a room with uh you know, some of the best guys ever played the position and and a young guy who who’s playing just at a high of a level as anybody with Nick Kerick. So, uh, you know, I’m in a great spot with these guys, be able to learn from them and and when Alex is healthy, you know, he’s a differencemaker like you saw last week as

Cam Heyward, Nick Herbig, and Jack Sawyer spoke to the media prior to practice on Friday, Dec. 12 ahead of the Steelers Week 15 game against the Dolphins

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