BTSC's John Phillips went into the Pittsburgh Steelers locker room to talk to two players who are relying on huge performances this Thursday in the final preseason game against the Carolina Panthers to solidify their spots on the 53-man roster.
The audio is above, but here's some interesting information coming from two players battling it out at the wide receiver position in Darrius Heyward-Bey and Derek Moye:
Darrius Heyward-Bey
- Although when people talk Pittsburgh Steelers speed they're often referring to Ryan Shazier and Dri Archer, Heyward-Bey can still fly as well. So much so that he declared himself the fastest player on the team, regardless of Archer's combine 40-yard dash of 4.26 seconds.
- Heyward-Bey is turning into a "jack of all trades" for the Steelers, learning not only the wide receiver position but also playing a myriad of special teams positions. All in an attempt to make the roster and beat out hopefuls like Moye.
- He credits a special teams tackle last year on Kansas City Chiefs' returner Dexter McCluster, when Heyward-Bey played for the Indianapolis Colts, that sparked his special teams ability.
Derek Moye
- Moye doesn't think there's anything specific he needs to do on Thursday, other than what he usually brings to the team, to perform well enough to make the roster for the second straight year.
- Having grown up in the Pittsburgh area, Moye doesn't think the fact that he's playing for hometown fans and hometown crowds will change his mindset heading into Thursday's game against the Panthers.
Be sure to follow John Phillips on Twitter @PGHJohnPhillips for great Steelers coverage all season long.