Bengals 19, Steelers 17
Q. So much attention this week on wanting to win this game. Extra day of rest. How disappointing and concerning is it to not get it done?
CAMERON HEYWARD: You know, you look at these games, you know, comes down to five or ten plays. When we don't execute, you know, there is nobody to blame but ourselves.
Q. What were you able to do better as the game went along as opposed to the first two drives? What was problematic in the first two drives that you figured out later?
CAMERON HEYWARD: A lot of quick passes. Couldn't really get our pressure home a lot early on. You know, we got our hands up. I thought coverage was a lot better as the game kept going.
You know, we got a turnover; able to keep them out of the end zone multiple times. You know, as the game kept going I thought we played better.
Q. Do you feel like you ironed out some of the communication issues that could help going into next week?
CAMERON HEYWARD: Yeah, yeah. I thought, you know, from a communication standpoint on defense, a lot of the guys took ownership over it. You know, week in and week out you're going to be tested. Different things happen. I like how we -- as things progressed in the game, we adjust, we correct.
You know, not always going to be perfect, but I thought we made some adjustments.
Q. Is it as simple as going into the postseason and just flipping the switch? Are you confident you can turn things around?
CAMERON HEYWARD: I'm confident. I'm sorry, I don't have the energy behind this, but I'm very confident in the group. You know, as a professional you work your ass off to be ready week in and week out. You know, there is belief in the group that's all that matters.
Q. Cam, what emotions are you feeling right now, as not only the way that this game ended, but the way the last couple games have ended?
CAMERON HEYWARD: You know, personally, I just think instead of thinking of the multitude of it, I'm taking it game by game. I think you have to be a little bit -- what's the word I'm looking for?
I think you just have to take one game at a time. You know, the good thing is -- Coach (indiscernible) always told me this, we're in the dance. You know, we're playing with house money. You know, nobody is going to make it easy for us, but I like us versus anybody.
You can say I'm blowing smoke, but I do. And I like the group. It's about ironing out our mistakes and cleaning it up yesterday.
Q. I think the Bengals had the ball 20 more minutes than you guys did, yet your defense was able to come out on the field and get multiple stops late. What does that say about your unit?
CAMERON HEYWARD: Yeah, I think quick passes, just converting early, but then us with a condensed field really taking advantage of that, you know, guys weren't free. You know, that's a multitude to pressure, communication, and multiple guys doing their job.
You know, there is positives you can take away from this game. We can sit up here and feel sorry for ourselves and talk about our mistakes, but got to take the good with the bad.
Q. What are some of the most important things that need to return that you guys did early in the season?
CAMERON HEYWARD: We have to keep harping turnovers. We got to get back to three-and-outs. I think we didn't get a three-and-out until late in the game.
You know, we got to be complementary, offense, defense, special teams. That's where we thrive.
Slate is clean. They don't remember your record once you get to the playoffs.
Q. Do you have a cold? Are you ill?
CAMERON HEYWARD: I have the flu.
Q. All day?
CAMERON HEYWARD: Started last night. Just been dealing with it.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports