When the Pittsburgh Steelers initially parted ways with veteran linebacker Elandon Roberts earlier this season, the news reverberated through the locker room. On the latest episode of Cameron Heyward’s podcast, “Not Just Football with Cameron Heyward
,” the veteran defender offered an unfiltered look at how much Roberts means to Pittsburgh’s defensive identity and why his sudden return has energized the building."I think we were all a little heartbroken to see that guy walk out of the door because we felt like he could help our team," Heyward admitted. "He is a thumper."
That physical, downhill style is precisely what Pittsburgh missed. Roberts, who re-signed with the Steelers via the practice squad as he works his way back into game shape, brings
an undeniable intensity to the interior front seven. For Heyward, Roberts represents a throwback archetype of middle linebacker that has defined Pittsburgh's defensive lineage for decades.
"It's fun to watch because he's under that ilk of a guy like Vince Williams or Lawrence Timmons where they just, they're heat seeking missiles," Heyward explained.
He even revealed the unique meeting-room vernacular the coaching staff uses to describe the veteran's singular focus against the run.
"One thing I will say, his nickname, he's a nine-on-seven linebacker. So that's all you need to know about," added Heyward.
In football parlance, a "nine-on-seven" drill is the ultimate inside run period, a brutal, full-contact session stripped of perimeter distractions where the front seven defenders and offensive linemen go head-to-head.
Though Roberts is beginning his second stint on the practice squad, Heyward expects his presence to be felt quickly.
"I know he's starting off on practice squad and it's going to work his way in," Heyward said. "But yeah, it's going to be fun to watch that guy get back to work with us."
Having a linebacker whose entire game thrives in that crucible gives Pittsburgh crucial reinforcement as they shore up their run defense against physical ground attacks.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Cam Heyward admits Steelers were heartbroken without Elandon Roberts
