Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers DT Cameron Heyward on favored Patriots: 'I don't give a damn'

The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the defending AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals on the road in Week 1, but they are slight underdogs at home to the 0-1 Patriots in Week 2. Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward couldn't care less.

"I don't give a damn about point spreads or whatever," he told reporters. "It comes down to winning the game. The people who think they know before we've actually played, they're stupid."

Heyward, an All-Pro, aims for a big game against a Patriots offense that gained only 271 yards in Week 1 against Miami, seventh worst in the NFL, according to ESPN.com.

After facing rookie guard Cordell Volson in Week 1, Heyward gets another rookie guard, Cole Strange.

Heyward revels in a game featuring two prominent franchises with lengthy playoffs histories. New England has won seven of the past 10 games between the two, though the game marks the first since 1998 without either Ben Roethlisberger or Tom Brady. 

"When those two teams link up, it's a battle," he said. 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Antoine Winfield Jr. agrees to record contract extension with Buccaneers
Bears coach provides massive update on QB Caleb Williams' progress
Rookie camp sheds light on Patriots' efforts to develop Drake Maye
First game of 2024 NFL season features rematch between two AFC powerhouses
Bronny James receives medical clearance, expected to remain in draft
Nuggets teach Timberwolves it's never easy to knock out the champion
Panthers come from behind to take Game 4 vs. Bruins
Hawks win 2024 NBA Draft Lottery
Watch: Padres star passes father on all-time home runs list
Terrion Arnold honors his mother in a unique way
Brad Keselowski breaks 110-race winless streak at Darlington
Watch: Manchester United ties record, highlighting club's ineptitude
Celtics' Jrue Holiday praises overlooked aspect of Jayson Tatum's game
Arturs Silovs' 42 saves lead Canucks past Oilers in Game 3
Braves star leaves game early due to left side soreness
Pacers blow out Knicks on Mother’s Day, even series at 2-2
Hawks GM 'shocked' that his team won the NBA Draft Lottery
Prolific former Brewers, A's slugger announces retirement
Saints to sign veteran offensive lineman
Smother's Day: Pacers shut down Knicks in first half of Game 4

Want more NFL news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.