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Cameron Heyward Warns First-Time Steelers About Ravens Rivalry
Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward tells his younger teammates what to expect against the Ravens in Week 11.
PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward is preparing to face the Baltimore Ravens for the 25th time in his career, but for some, it will be their first. That’s why Heyward felt it was necessary to warn first-time Steelers about what to expect on Sunday.
“It’s going to be physical. You’re gonna be sore after,” Heyward said. “I think it’s gonna feel like a playoff game because both of these teams are fighting for the AFC North crown. And then bring the energy.”
Steelers rookie linebacker Payton Wilson is among the players who are gearing up for their first AFC North matchup against the Ravens. While it’s his first divisional game in the NFL, he is no stranger to what the rivalry means to both teams.
“It almost brings back that college feel,” he said. “Teams hate each other and stuff. It’s super cool. I’m from North Carolina, so we’re a distance away from here, but growing up, when this game was on, you still turned it on. One of the biggest rivalries in all of sports. So it’s super cool to be a part of.”
Wilson has flown to the ball this season, displaying his 4.43-second 40-yard dash speed while recording 40 tackles (24 solo).
RELATED: Payton Wilson Turns Heads in NFL Debut: ‘I’m Gonna Give My All for the Steelers’
The Steelers will need Wilson to continue playing fast this week with the hopes of containing two-time NFL MVP, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. He knows that will be no easy task.
“Man, it’s tough,” Wilson said. “People always have schematics and stuff, but it seems to never work. You’ve just got to go out there and execute. You gotta trust your teammates. You gotta trust your coaches and just play fast. I’ve actually been watching this guy for a long time.”
Only time will tell whether Steelers will be able to minimize Jackson’s impact on Sunday, but they have had their way with him as of late, winning seven of their last eight matchups. Heyward acknowledges that may be due to a little bit of luck, though.
“Sometimes the ball has fallen our way a couple times,” he said. “It’s not like he’s not dicing us up. He’s a heck of a talent that you try to bottle up, but you never can. Sometimes it’s come down to just having the ball last.”
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