Steelers Captain Cam Heyward Thankful That 2023 TNF Schedule Did Not Include Baltimore Ravens

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had their fair share of conflict with Roger Goodell and the NFL. They have clashed with the commissioner over exorbitant fines. The Steelers refused to accept the collective bargaining agreement in 2011 because they thought the disciplinary process gave Goodell too much power. Pittsburgh has not shied away from criticizing the NFL when they think it is warranted.

The Steelers voted against flex scheduling for Thursday Night Football, but the measure ultimately passed for the 2023 season. The Steelers were awarded two Thursday games by the NFL this season when the schedule came out. Cam Heyward joined the 3 and Out podcast on Monday with John Middlekauff and voiced his opinion on the subject.

“You look at that schedule and you embrace the night games,” Heyward began. “Thursday night when you get an extra one thrown in there, going into the game, it’s rough. You don’t have that much time to prepare. There is not even really a practice.”

The Steelers play the Tennessee Titans on November 2nd at home. The Titans and Steelers both play physical styles of football. It is the second game in four days between former AFC Central rivals, the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Titans.

“You get a lot of blowouts,” Heyward continued. “The team that gets the blowout is able to rest their guys a little bit quicker and then take advantage of the time. If you’re in a rough one, it’s mano y mano. Both teams [are] worn down, you really appreciate that time to recover.”

The second game is eligible for flex scheduling, but Middlekauff points out that the NFL is unlikely to flex a New England Patriots visit to Acrisure Stadium on December 7th. The former Philadelphia Eagles scout turned podcaster asked Heyward about Jason Kelce’s statement that anyone who opposes Thursday night football is not being truthful, because he loves playing them.

“Let’s just be addicted to winning at that point,” Heyward smiled. “You know you want the time off and you want a good stench. If you lose, that is a lot of time to just keep glossing over the same mistakes. I think Kelce’s, you know o-linemen don’t have to run as much, so they’re okay with that.”

Middlekauff points out that the Titans and the Patriots are both likely to be run-heavy teams. Both teams are physically demanding games for the Steelers on short rest. The Steelers defensive captain pointed out that it could be worse. 

“Luckily, it is not the Baltimore Ravens game,” Heyward responded. “We have plenty of those, Cleveland [Browns] is like that as well. You really got to just prepare your body for war and that struggle.”

The Ravens and Steelers are the most physical football games in the modern NFL and are typically wars of attrition. Heyward knows how much the matchups take out of both teams. The on-field product is damaged if you force them both into playing on short rest. 

Steelers Will Compete For AFC North Title According To NFL Network Analyst 

Pittsburgh intends to play power ball control football on offense in 2023. Omar Khan and Andy Weidl have upgraded the offensive line through free agency and the NFL Draft. The style is not forgiving, but the offense is a very young group and allows them to dictate the pace of the game. It is intended to limit the defense’s time on the field and keep them fresh, but it has to produce touchdowns and victories.

The Steelers should have an advantage in the red zone with their huge receivers and tight ends against any secondary they face. Kenny Pickett is a year older, and he will have to overcome Matt Canada’s ill-timed trickery in the red zone. Mike Tomlin and Pickett will need to keep a watchful eye so that plays with very little chance of succeeding do not slip back into the game plan.

What do you think, Steeler Nation? Were the NFL schedule-makers throwing a pointed elbow in the Steelers' direction, or was it just an unfortunate coincidence? Please comment below, or on my Twitter @thebubbasq. 

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