RB Nick Chubb (9.14.23)
Nick, I know you’ve played them for a while now. What sticks out about that Steelers defense?
“Like always, they’re always big, physical and very tough and they play hard. That’s something that had to change since I’ve been here and something that we look forward to going up against.”
How much of a loss is not having Cam Heyward out there?
“Well, he’s definitely a big player for them, but I’m sure those guys are pumped up coming off a loss like that. I’m sure they’ll be ready to go against us no matter who’s out there.”
What about just the magnitude of going into Pittsburgh, Monday Night Football. So much at stake, them having lost, you guys having won a division game? Just the whole magnitude?
“Yeah, it’s definitely a big game. It’s definitely a division rival and we understand what we’re going into. I think back to last year when we lost to the (New York) Jets and then we played them the next week at home, night game we ended up winning. So, I’m sure that’s their same mindset. We understand that. We understand it’s going to be a hostile environment, so we’re preparing every day to go up there and be ready for them.”
Christian McCaffrey had a pretty big performance against them last week, including a long touchdown run. When you’re going back and watching that defense against him, do you take any ideas away from it when you watch another running back have success?
“Honestly, I thought the Steelers did a good job. They were always in the right place, just let them slip up a little bit. But I think they still did a great job. They’re definitely a great front, great defense overall.”
I know you’ve played with Wyatt (Teller) for a while now, but when he has one of those blocks where he’s pushing so many 20 yards downfield, what does that do for you? Does he still surprise you when he does things like that?
“I’m not surprised at this point. That’s just who Wyatt is, a hard worker in the game. He’s going to make that long play and that’s what he’s done since I’ve been playing with him.”
Dawand (Jones) had to step into a big spot last week after Jack (Conklin) got hurt. I was just curious what your impressions of Dawand have been so far?
“Yeah, man, I’m impressed by him. He’s definitely a big guy. It’s hard to get around him, but he’s also young and he lacks experience. So, I know the coaches have been on him this week. I look forward to watching him play and playing with him.”
That cutback right behind him the other day, is it nice to have – obviously his size is kind of ridiculous. Is that nice to have someone like that out in front of you?
“Yeah, it is. He’s definitely big. He can move guys. He’s big physically. He’s very athletic, too. So, I mean, he’s a great blocker.”
The fact that they will be without Cam Heyward who’s had many great games against you guys, what impact do you think that will have on this game?
“I can’t tell you right now. I’m sure they have someone stepping in who will play just as hard and try to make as many plays as Cam did. Cam is definitely a great player. But I’m sure that team will be pumped up and probably even more motivated going to the game without Cam.”
What kind of glimpse do you think fans got of your offense last week when sometimes the weather affected his feet?
“I think it’d be really good. I think for the most part it was kind of a sloppy game for us. That wasn’t even our best, I don’t think, under those circumstances with the rain and the weather. But I think we have a long way to go. But I think we made a small glimpse of what we can do.”
Catching four out of four passes. Good way to start for you?
“Yeah, it was.”
Mike Tomlin yesterday in his weekly press conference anytime he mentioned you, it was Mr. Chubb. What you do you take from that?
“I didn’t even hear anything about that. I don’t know what to say.”
It’s like a show of respect I would think.
“I got you.”
When you guys win a game like you did in that opener how much confidence does it give you guys moving forward?
“It’s hard for me to think back. I think back to last year, we won the opener last year and we lost the second game. So, I can’t really put too much thought into that. We have to take it a day at a time. Keep improving.”
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