Steelers defensive end Cam Heyward is looking forward to rekindling the rivalry with the Bengals Sunday afternoon at Heinz Field. But the Steelers’ biggest rival, Heyward said, won’t come to town until Christmas Day.
“It’s a very big rivalry,” Heyward said Wednesday morning before the team practiced. “I would say it’s the second-biggest rivalry in the AFC North. It’s a hard-hitting physical rivalry, one you have to respect. You have to bring your hard hat because you know it’s going to be a game where you have to work.”
Heyward believes the Baltimore Ravens remain the biggest rival in the division despite the three games against the Bengals last season that resulted in injuries to star players, bad blood and produced a rollicking playoff victory that will live on forever in team lore.