Cameron Heyward shares how Aaron Rodgers helped stabilize Steelers after swoon

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers helped the Pittsburgh Steelers open the season with four wins in five games before Pittsburgh fell to 6-6. However, the Steelers have since notched back-to-back victories to improve to 8-6 and begin Week 16 holding sole possession of first place in the AFC North standings. 

Shortly after the Steelers earned a 28-15 win over the Miami Dolphins on Monday night, longtime Steelers defensive lineman and team captain Cameron Heyward appeared on ESPN's "SportsCenter." During the segment, Heyward addressed how Rodgers helped stabilize the Steelers following their in-season swoon. 

Aaron Rodgers has brought needed "accountability" to Steelers

"There's a level of accountability he brings to the group," Heyward said about Rodgers, per Kyle Koster of Sports Illustrated. "The way he challenges guys, the way he communicates. There's a lot of stuff you see during practice, but then off the field, he's working with guys. It's not just the offensive line, the wide receivers the tight ends. They all play a big role in what he wants to do, and he just keeps talking about it."

The working relationship between the two teammates got off to a bit of a rocky start when Heyward suggested in March that he was annoyed that Rodgers had flirted with joining the Steelers but then remained a free agent. Rodgers didn't sign with Pittsburgh until June, but he quickly won Heyward and others inside the Steelers' locker room over. 

In October, Heyward said he felt Rodgers "should have a job as long as he wants." Against the Dolphins, Rodgers completed 23-of-27 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns.

Steelers aren't afraid to hold Aaron Rodgers accountable

While speaking with ESPN's Scott Van Pelt following Monday's win, Heyward made it clear that he and his teammates haven't been afraid to approach Rodgers about the 42-year-old's on-the-field performances this season. 

"We can hold him accountable, too," Heyward added about Rodgers. "We let him know when he's playing like crap, too."

Pittsburgh leads the 7-7 Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North standings. On Dec. 21, the Steelers will play at the 8-6 Detroit Lions. That night, Baltimore will host the 11-3 New England Patriots.