
08-16-2012, 01:29 PM
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Head Coach
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Join Date: Nov 2003
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Quote:
Comfort level improves for Heyward
August 16, 2012 12:08 am
Peter Diana/Post-Gazette
Cameron Heyward and the rest of the 2011 rookie class had the misfortune of being caught in the middle of the NFL labor dispute a year ago. The lack of a collective bargaining agreement meant that Heyward and other rookies could not benefit from participation in offseason training activities or a full-length training camp.
A young player learning a complicated defense, Heyward, a 6-foot-5, 288-pound defensive end from Ohio State, never did feel completely comfortable playing in Dick LeBeau's defense last season.
"It takes time," said Heyward, who was the 31st overall selection in the 2011 draft. "It's different for everyone, but this defense is a little bit complicated and you just have to study."
In his second training camp, Heyward has a better comfort level, and he is hoping that will translate into a more productive season. He played in a reserve role a year ago and recorded nine tackles and a sack in the regular season. When starting right end Brett Keisel went down with an injury in a playoff game at Denver, Heyward played more and had three tackles in a 29-23 overtime loss.
"Everything was a whirlwind last year," he said. "I wouldn't change it. I just feel more comfortable with the playbook this year. Having a true offseason with OTAs, I know why I am doing something as opposed to knowing I have to do something. Overall, I feel healthier and stronger than last year."
There was some speculation before training camp began that Heyward would push Ziggy Hood for the starting job at left defensive end, but Heyward has worked almost exclusively behind Keisel at right end through the first three weeks of training camp.
"I wasn't even thinking in that regard," Heyward said. "I can't look at it as a numbers game or where I am on the depth chart. My main thing is I have to worry about doing my technique right. Hopefully, the coaches have confidence in me to go out there."
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Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/...#ixzz23jOsH7rC
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