Injured Cam Heyward says Alex Highsmith, TJ Watt have caught his eye

Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward is sidelined for a couple of months after groin surgery. But he’s big into supporting linebackers Alex Highsmith and TJ Watt.

In fact, he had the best time cheering for Watt and Highsmith during the Steelers’ 26-22 victory over the the Browns on Monday Night Football. The two chased Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson all over the field. And together, they outscored the Steeler offense. (Sorry, Pittsburgh fans. We know this is a sensitive topic).

Highsmith struck first. His impact play occurred on the Browns’ first offensive snap. That’s when he intercepted a deflected pass and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown. When you say pick six, you’re speaking linebacker love language.

Cam Heyward appeared on Good Morning Football bright and early Thursday. He’s doing a weekly gig for the NFL Network, although he missed last week because of the groin surgery. The show’s host immediately asked him his thoughts on Highsmith. Heyward said he expected this of the outside linebacker who is in his fourth season with the Steelers.

“It’s not by surprise (when) you look what he did last year, having 14.5 sacks, just being a dominant force without TJ last year,” Heyward said. “But now you put those two guys together. I heard JJ Watt even say they were similar to like a Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis … just because of the destruction they (make).”

What's the inside scoop on the @steelers sidelines?@CamHeyward lets us know! pic.twitter.com/Bv2UAy4SwI

— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) September 21, 2023

And later in the fourth quarter, Watt got his spectacular moment with an assist from Highsmith. In post-game, Watt described his scoop and score as a “splash” play.

“I think that’s what we talk about … creating splash as a defense,” Watt said.

Cam Heyward applauded the splash, even if he thought it took too long for Watt to score. The GMFB hosts asked him about his animated reaction. Cameras captured the moment on the sideline.

“You know, (he) got to the sideline and I say congrats,” Heyward said. “But I said ‘what do you think your miles per hour were because it didn’t look that fast?’ And he was like, ‘I don’t know.’ You know, it’s probably like 15 and, you know, just because he didn’t have a lot of space. So I like to give them a hard time and rib him sometimes. But I was really happy for him to just get the touchdown on Monday Night Football. Get the sack records. What a match made in heaven to do that on Monday Night Football.”

Of course, Heyward was talking about Watt’s new team record. He broke the career sack record formerly held by Steeler great James Harrison. He’s totaled 81.5 sacks, one head of Harrison’s total. Coincidentally, Harrison broke the career record against the Browns back in 2016.

The Steelers play another primetime game this Sunday with their road date against the Raiders. And we’re betting Cam Heyward will be cheering, albeit in street clothes, for the two linebackers.