The new 'Ironhead'

Cameron Heyward / Sage 2011 Football Card

Ohio State's Defensive Lineman, Cameron Heyward was the first pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers (31st overall pick) in the 2011 NFL draft. He was surrounded by professional football players since he was a kid, and now he has become one of them.

Heyward is the son of Craig "Ironhead" Heyward, former running back for the New Orleans Saints. Although he followed in his fathers footsteps and became a professional football player, he paved his own road to do so. But he is not defined by his father's accomplishments.

His achievements in high school and college are what makes him qualified to play for the Steelers. They are also some of the reasons why he was the team's first pick. While attending Peachtree Ridge High School, Heyward helped his team obtain the Georgia Class 5A State Championships. That same year, he was the 2006 Georgia Class 5A Defensive Player of the Year. He was not only hardworking on the field, but also in school. He left his high school with a 3.2 GPA. The next year, he began school at Ohio State. As a freshman, he helped the Buckeyes reach the BCS National Championships. As a junior at Ohio State, Heyward led his team to the Rose Bowl, where they won the 26 to 17 against Oregon. Heyward started in 46 out of 52 games throughout his college career. He recorded 168 tackles, 15 sacks, and six quarterback pressures. He even recovered two fumbles, one of which ended in a touchdown.

Heyward always wanted to become a professional football player just like his father; however, he wanted to do it the noble way. According to a CBSSports interview, he wants to do things his own way and doesn't want special attention. "I don't want to live in his shadow...," the younger Heyward said. "I appreciate everything he's done. But I want to do everything by my own. I'm not asking anybody to give me a second look or anything just because my dad was 'Ironhead'." He did not want extra chances and he did not need them. All of his hard work and dedication to the sport over the years allowed him to become the Pittsburgh Steelers' first draft pick.

Both the Steelers and Heyward believe that he would be a great addition to the team. In a conference call, Heyward was asked, "What kind of player is the Steelers getting?" He said he is, "A team-first kind of player, very accountable and a guy that is constantly going to work hard and contribute as much as he can for his team." Heyward is definitely physical and athletic enough to make an impact on the team. He may not start this season, but he will greatly improve the defensive line. His future is promising and he has so much time to develop. While Heyward does not play the same position as his father, he is looking to create his own legacy of the Heyward name. He has what it takes to become the new Ironhead Heyward

James Starks: Green Bay’s “Not-So” Secret Weapon

James Starks 2010 Topps

James Starks has been plagued by injury dating back to his junior year at the University of Buffalo. He sat on the bench all of his senior year due to a nagging torn shoulder and yet still managed to get signed by the Packers. His injuries did not end there, as Starks tore a hamstring during rookie mini-camp and ended up on the physically unable to perform list.

His lackluster performance off the bench during the regular season tricked many into thinking that he is another average running back in the NFC North. In his first start in two years, Starks ran for 123 yards in the opening round of the playoffs, after having just 29 carries for 101 yards in three games all season. This unpredicted feat surprised the rest of the league.
His performance is crucial for the Packers on Super Bowl Sunday, as their primary running backs have gone down due to injury throughout the season. If he plays like he has been playing as of late, James Starks will take the pressure off quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has a knack for running the ball well when none of his receivers are open.

If Starks is able to continue his playoff performance, the Packers will have more options on offense, causing the Steelers defense to guard against both the pass and run. Starks’ ability to run the ball well opens up the Packers passing attack, as Rodgers will have more plays to run, thus becoming more unpredictable. His ability also takes the pressure off wide receivers Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson, as they will not have to worry about the ball going to them on every play. Balancing the Packers attack will allow them to thrive better as a team, especially on a stage as big as the Super Bowl.

There is no question that James Starks is an effective addition to the Packers. His skills, which were at one point unbeknownst to most of America, have now been the center of focus for the Steelers defense. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau has put an extreme emphasis of not allowing Starks to get started early in the game.

Going into the Super Bowl on Sunday, Starks is ready. "It's an amazing feeling being here right now," Starks said. "You watch the Super Bowl all the time growing up, and you sit there and say, 'Man, I could be there someday.' But to be here, to make that a reality, it's just great to be here." Sunday is going to be a big battle for him, but nowhere near as much battling he has done over the past two years to get healthy again.

Heath Miller: An Important Utility Player

Heath Miller / Steel City Hobbies (Wikimedia Commons)

Heath Miller is a perfect fit for the Pittsburgh’s Steelers. The six-year tight end is an effective part of the team. Miller is one of the best tight ends in team history. His 512 reception yards this season are higher than the tight end league average of 358. Even though the league leader that plays the tight end position has 1448 receiving yards, Miller does more than catching balls. His ability to block and run with the ball increases his value on the field. Miller’s athleticism is evident in his play, as he was a quarterback in high school and switched over to the tight end position in college. Miller is an important player that helped the Steelers to the Super Bowl. In the AFC Championship game against the Jets, he managed to get a key first down for the Steelers and kept the ball out of the Jets hands.

Sports journalist Clifton Brown states that Ben Roethlisberger, “loves throwing to Miller, particularly on third down and in the red zone.” This is for good reason because he can get open when they need a receiver. Miller is only the sixth player in Steelers history to exceed 400 receiving yards in the playoffs. In the last game the Steelers played against the Packers he had a career high 118 yards receiving. The Steelers know they have an outstanding player that can help with key plays when he is needed. Miller is capable to find a hole in the field and will be a tough match up for the Packers.

The One and a Half-Trick Pony

Mike Wallace / Mike Rhoads (Wikimedia Commons)

Mike Wallace, standout wide receiver on the Pittsburgh Steelers, is a valuable asset to the team, and his performance could greatly affect the outcome of this year's Super Bowl against the Green Bay Packers. He is only in his second year as a pro, but he is already a big part of the plan. He doesn’t get much attention from the quarterback, but when he does, it is deadly.
In the second round playoff game against the Cleveland Browns, the speed demon had only three receptions, but it came with a touchdown and a whopping 105 yards. However, he was labeled as a “one-trick pony” in a Pro Football Weekly interview by head coach Mike Tomlin. As a rookie, Wallace did not know how to use his speed effectively. All he did was use it to break away in the open field.

Wallace admits that he is not content with the title and stated, “I’ve scored touchdowns and made plays in all types of different ways, every week when he said it, (but) he still gives me the same name, and I don’t think it's going to change until at least next year." After that, Coach Tomlin gave him the label “one and a half trick pony,” according to a Kansas City Star article. Wallace said, “Well, I guess it means I’m getting better to go to one and a half. You got to start from somewhere.” Wallace has high hopes for his future and continues to get better. This upcoming Super Bowl, he may just pull another trick out of his hat.

Turning Point: Mendenhall Fumbles

The turning point of the game was when Rashard Mendenhall fumbled. This caused the Pittsburgh Steeler to lose a possible touchdown and gain the lead in the process. The Packers scored a touchdown which made the Steelers need two touchdowns to win the game. Even with Mike Wallace’s touchdown that cut the Packers lead to three points, Mason Crosby’s field goal at 2:07 furthered the Packers lead to 31-25. Although the Steelers did score a touchdown after the Packers touchdown to close the gap to one touchdown, there was not enough time left in the remainder of the match to tie the game or take the lead One touchdown would only tie the game and wit less than 2 minutes remaining, this caused great pressure for the Steelers as the last drive determined their lose or victory.