Veteran receiver Heyward-Bey willing to fill any role for Steelers
Steelers receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey runs after the catch during training camp this month at St. Vincent. — Chaz Palla | Tribune-ReviewView gallery...
Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review
Steelers receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey runs after the catch during training camp this month at St. Vincent.
BY ALAINA GETZENBERG
Monday, Aug. 8, 2016, 9:24 p.m.
Updated 10 hours ago
As attention is divided between drama surrounding the Steelers and the new, young talent emerging offensively, the team's oldest receiver has blended into the background.
For Darrius Heyward-Bey, the seventh-overall draft pick by the Oakland Raiders in 2009, the spotlight has dimmed somewhat over his eight-year career. But the 29-year-old receiver has evolved into a new role he hopes will make him more valuable.
Despite his veteran status, one of his main goals for this season reflects his importance in a position typically filled by younger players.
“On special teams, (I want to) make more tackles. I had a few last year. I need more this year,” Heyward-Bey said.
While most veteran receivers in his position would never take on special teams, Heyward-Bey is willing to make it his priority simply because it is where the team needs him.
“I bet it is difficult for (veterans), but I guess I'm the guy for the job,” he said.
Being a part of a deep receiving corps with the likes of Antonio Brown and Markus Wheaton makes Heyward-Bey's understanding of his role on offense that much more important for the team's success. By acknowledging the positive impact he can have on special teams because of his exceptional speed, he allows his abilities to assist in more than the limited snaps he may see offensively.
The Steelers showed how much they value his efforts by giving him a three-year, $3.8-million contract extension in March. For a receiver who hasn't experienced much offensive consistency in his career, Heyward-Bey said finding a home in Pittsburgh couldn't have worked out any better.
“It's going to do a lot to my game. I know the playbook like the back of my hand,” Heyward-Bey said. “It's the first time I've been in the same offense for three straight years, so it's been good. It's been fun to be able to just go out there and play my game.”
Heyward-Bey saw an upswing in his production after catching three passes for 33 yards and no touchdowns in his first season with the Steelers. He eclipsed those numbers with his performance in the 2015 season opener and finished the year with 21 catches for 314 yards and two touchdowns. His most successful stretch was in the opening four games of the season when Martavis Bryant was suspended.
With Bryant now suspended for an entire year, Heyward-Bey's production has a good chance of increasing even more.
Other players at his position have been watching what he does as an example of how to play the game, especially Sammie Coates. Entering his second season, Coates has had the veteran's assistance from the beginning.
“I learn a lot from him just in the way he practices. He's a great player to have around,” Coates said. “I learn from him because he's very smart. He knows the playbook in and out. Picking up on stuff he does or says is always good.”
And not only does Heyward-Bey provide veteran leadership, he also sprinkles in a touchdown catch or two, which he did in last Thursday's practice in Latrobe where he made two applause-inducing grabs.
For a receiver who still is trying to live up to his draft expectations, taking advantage of this season's opportunity could go a long way toward him becoming a a bright spot amidst the team's early distractions.
“I think every day is a big opportunity for me,” Heyward-Bey said. “I just go out there and try to do my job and whatever the team needs me to do. If that's on offense as a receiver, that's great. If that's on special teams, I'm all about that too — being the ultimate team guy.”
Steelers receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey runs after the catch during training camp this month at St. Vincent. — Chaz Palla | Tribune-ReviewView gallery...
Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review
Steelers receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey runs after the catch during training camp this month at St. Vincent.
BY ALAINA GETZENBERG
Monday, Aug. 8, 2016, 9:24 p.m.
Updated 10 hours ago
As attention is divided between drama surrounding the Steelers and the new, young talent emerging offensively, the team's oldest receiver has blended into the background.
For Darrius Heyward-Bey, the seventh-overall draft pick by the Oakland Raiders in 2009, the spotlight has dimmed somewhat over his eight-year career. But the 29-year-old receiver has evolved into a new role he hopes will make him more valuable.
Despite his veteran status, one of his main goals for this season reflects his importance in a position typically filled by younger players.
“On special teams, (I want to) make more tackles. I had a few last year. I need more this year,” Heyward-Bey said.
While most veteran receivers in his position would never take on special teams, Heyward-Bey is willing to make it his priority simply because it is where the team needs him.
“I bet it is difficult for (veterans), but I guess I'm the guy for the job,” he said.
Being a part of a deep receiving corps with the likes of Antonio Brown and Markus Wheaton makes Heyward-Bey's understanding of his role on offense that much more important for the team's success. By acknowledging the positive impact he can have on special teams because of his exceptional speed, he allows his abilities to assist in more than the limited snaps he may see offensively.
The Steelers showed how much they value his efforts by giving him a three-year, $3.8-million contract extension in March. For a receiver who hasn't experienced much offensive consistency in his career, Heyward-Bey said finding a home in Pittsburgh couldn't have worked out any better.
“It's going to do a lot to my game. I know the playbook like the back of my hand,” Heyward-Bey said. “It's the first time I've been in the same offense for three straight years, so it's been good. It's been fun to be able to just go out there and play my game.”
Heyward-Bey saw an upswing in his production after catching three passes for 33 yards and no touchdowns in his first season with the Steelers. He eclipsed those numbers with his performance in the 2015 season opener and finished the year with 21 catches for 314 yards and two touchdowns. His most successful stretch was in the opening four games of the season when Martavis Bryant was suspended.
With Bryant now suspended for an entire year, Heyward-Bey's production has a good chance of increasing even more.
Other players at his position have been watching what he does as an example of how to play the game, especially Sammie Coates. Entering his second season, Coates has had the veteran's assistance from the beginning.
“I learn a lot from him just in the way he practices. He's a great player to have around,” Coates said. “I learn from him because he's very smart. He knows the playbook in and out. Picking up on stuff he does or says is always good.”
And not only does Heyward-Bey provide veteran leadership, he also sprinkles in a touchdown catch or two, which he did in last Thursday's practice in Latrobe where he made two applause-inducing grabs.
For a receiver who still is trying to live up to his draft expectations, taking advantage of this season's opportunity could go a long way toward him becoming a a bright spot amidst the team's early distractions.
“I think every day is a big opportunity for me,” Heyward-Bey said. “I just go out there and try to do my job and whatever the team needs me to do. If that's on offense as a receiver, that's great. If that's on special teams, I'm all about that too — being the ultimate team guy.”
