Steelers three-time All-Pro rips those critical of how team wins

To some, the Pittsburgh Steelers might be the most unconvincing 6-3 team in the NFL. While many have criticized how the Steelers are winning, three-time All-Pro defensive tackle Cam Heyward had a message for the team's detractors. 

"Who are they judging? They're not in this. 'Smoke and mirrors?' Screw you," Heyward said, via Brooke Pryor of ESPN. "We work too hard for this. These guys dedicate their lives to this. We try to be a good defense. 'Smoke and mirrors?' I think that's a cloud of smoke." 

While Heyward's defense of his teammates is admirable, the Steelers' success is somewhat baffling to explain. They've come up big when it's mattered most on both sides of the ball, but the overall numbers paint a picture of a team flirting with collapse. 

Heyward and the Steelers defense have been the definition of bend but don't break. Pittsburgh ranks first in the NFL in takeaways (18) and 12th in points against a game (20.2), but only four teams allow more yards per contest than the Steelers (379.7).

Meanwhile, the offensive side of the ball isn't as rosy, ranked 26th in points per game (17.3) and 28th in yards per game (283.6). Their ineptitude has prompted season-long calls for the Steelers to fire offensive coordinator Matt Canada, who is seemingly constantly on the defense. However, similar to the defense, there's a silver lining with four fourth-quarter comebacks. 

The Steelers simply don't make sense, but they get the job done — and that's really all that matters. It might not be sustainable, but it could continue long enough to get Pittsburgh into the playoffs, especially since each division rival has seen its chances take a significant hit. The Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns recently lost their quarterbacks, Joe Burrow and Deshaun Watson, for the season with injuries. At the same time, the AFC North-leading Baltimore Ravens will likely be without Pro Bowl tight end Mark Andrews, who suffered a cracked fibula on a hip-drop tackle against the Bengals on "Thursday Night Football" to kick off Week 11.