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Steelers Fans Have To Love What They Witnessed From Connor Heyward In Friday's Win

Originally posted on Steeler Nation | By Jackson Shover | Last updated 8/12/23

The Pittsburgh Steelers won their opening game of the 2023 preseason with a 27-17 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Perhaps the two biggest stars of the game were quarterback, Kenny Pickett, who went 6-of-7 passing for 70 yards and one touchdown as well as Calvin Austin III, whose 67-yard touchdown in the third quarter was the most exciting play of the night. While these two performances will likely receive much of the attention, there was another player who also had an impressive showing, which included snaps at a number of different positions. This was none other than second-year pro, Connor Heyward.

There has been much discussion over the course of the 2023 offseason about the role in which Heyward will play for the Steelers in his sophomore year. During his rookie campaign in 2022, the former Michigan State standout played primarily at in-line tight end. However, with the team opting to not re-sign Derek Watt and Benny Snell Jr., there is a need at both fullback and third-string running back. This is where Heyward may seen an increased role in 2023, as he has experience in playing a variety of different positions during his time with the Spartans.

During the Steelers preseason contest against the Buccaneers, Heyward did in fact see time at tight end, fullback and running back. He finished the game with two receptions for 34 yards as well as one rush for five yards. While these stats are certainly modest, it was encouraging to see him look comfortable serving as the team's "Swiss Army-Knife." Needless to say, Heyward's continued ability to exceed expectations, regardless of where the coaches ask him to play, is worth noting.

Connor Heyward is a football player. Idc what the label by his position is. TE. FB. Don’t care. He is a player.
— Kevin Adams (@KevinAdams26) August 12, 2023

Could Heyward Be A Featured Component Of The Steelers' Offense In 2023?

Tight end is arguably the Steelers best overall position group heading into the 2023 season. Led by ascending superstar, Pat Freiermuth, the team also has Zach Gentry, Darnell Washington, Rodney Williams, as well as Heyward. While both Gentry and Washington are better blockers than Heyward, the argument can be made that the second-year pro brings more to the table when it comes to receiving. He does not possess ideal size or speed at the tight end position, but has incredibly dependable hands and is dangerous with yards after the catch.

Connor Heyward with the longest play of the year for this Steelers’ offense! pic.twitter.com/OnFt4U9AaH
— PFF PIT Steelers (@PFF_Steelers) October 16, 2022

With Heyward in line to receive playing time at multiple positions in 2023, he will have a tremendous opportunity to showcase his versatility and provide value to a Steelers offense that is absolutely loaded with talent. If the game against the Buccaneers serves an any indication of how much he will see the field in 2023, there is strong reason to believe that he will play a big part of the team's success on the offensive side of the ball.

Steelers Offense Has The Chance To Be Elite In 2023

Overall, the Steelers offense played well during the first preseason game. Pickett's lone drive resulted in a touchdown to George Pickens, Diontae Johnson looked sharp, Anthony McFarland Jr. showed explosiveness, and the team's first-round draft selection, Broderick Jones, proved that he is trending in the right direction with his level of play. With an offensive line that is projected to be much improved from the 2022 season, the unit has all the necessary pieces to go blow-for-blow with the high-powered offenses of the AFC.

The Steelers have two more preseason games until they open the regular season at Acrisure Stadium against the San Francisco 49ers. While success in the preseason games does not always guarantee success when the games actually matter, it is never a bad thing to come out victorious, as the Steelers did against the Buccaneers. Get ready, Steeler Nation. It will be here before we know it.

Thoughts, Steeler Nation?

How do you feel about Heyward playing multiple positions for the Steelers in 2023? What were your biggest takeaways from the first preseason game? Do you think the offense will be much improved from a year ago? Be sure to

This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.

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