Winner takes it all: While the Steelers didn’t seize the opportunity that was in front of them on Sunday to take control of the AFC North, they still have another shot next week against the Baltimore Ravens.
And defensive tackle Cameron Heyward knows they have to bring it all this week.
“We had our opportunities, offense, defense, special teams,” said Heyward. “We had some clear opportunities, but swallow that pill. Go home. Bring on Baltimore.
“The competitor in me is we lost this game. We lost a chance to clinch it today. But the competitor in me is, bring it on. Baltimore’s coming in. Winner takes all. I have a lot of respect for those guys over there.
Heyward said it shouldn’t take anything to get guys motivated for this week’s game against the Ravens, because the winner does in fact take it all – AFC North champs.
“It’s for everything this week,” said Heyward. “You don’t have to look around. You don’t have to wait for somebody else to play. It brings you back to the high school ball where everything is riding on every single game.
“If you’re a competitor and you understand this rivalry between Baltimore, it’s what you want.”
The Steelers defeated the Ravens in their first meeting this season, 27-22, in Week 14.
This is a completely different week though, and despite coming off the loss to the Browns, Heyward isn’t worried about what the team will bring to the table.
“We’ve had momentum, one game doesn’t get us off that train,” said Heyward. “We’ve been playing good ball of late. There are still things we can hang our hat on, stopping the run, turnovers, controlling the ball when we did on offense and giving yourself a shot late. That’s all you ask for.
“Momentum is one thing, playing good ball is another thing.
“We control our destiny. We don’t have to look around. Week 18, ball’s in our home court. I expect our guys to be locked in, ready for this opportunity.”
