The clash between Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward created sparks on Sunday.
Following a first-half tackle of Allen, Heyward became visibly agitated and had to be physically separated from Allen after they both got up. The verbal sparring persisted between the two throughout the contest, culminating in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against Heyward in the latter half.
It wasn’t immediately apparent during the game what ignited the animosity. After the game, in the locker room, Heyward explained his view on the confrontation. He communicated to reporters that Allen had struck him in the abdomen with his knee.
“Being struck in my stomach with a knee?” Heyward questioned when asked about the exchanges. “And then just exchanging words. I’m irritated the entire game because the quarterback receives protection, and I do not.
“It angers me.”
Heyward was then prompted to confirm that it was Allen who delivered the knee.
“Yes,” Heyward affirmed. “That is precisely what I am conveying.”
Heyward elaborated that Allen’s knee to the stomach was “a singular event,” and that Allen admitted to intending to do it.
“He even stated afterward, ‘I had to take action to get you off of me,'” Heyward continued.
Did Allen knee Heyward?
The alleged kneeing incident seemingly occurred near the end of the second quarter. Heyward ended up on top of Allen after a tackle at the conclusion of a quarterback run. Due to the crowded nature of the scene, CBS broadcast video could not definitively confirm whether Allen actually kneed Heyward.
However, Allen was positioned on his back as Heyward landed on him and undoubtedly had the physical capacity to deliver a knee to Heyward’s midsection if he chose to do so. Heyward displayed intense anger following the play.
He confronted Allen before Allen’s offensive linemen intervened between them. Even after being pulled back by a game official, Heyward continued to direct words at Allen from a distance.
Heyward’s resentment did not diminish and carried over into the second half of Buffalo’s 26-7 victory.
Allen connected with Keon Coleman for a touchdown in the third quarter, extending Buffalo’s lead to 16-7. Following the score, Heyward made contact with Allen’s face mask with his own, and the two persisted in exchanging words. Heyward then pushed Bills guard David Edwards away when Edwards attempted to step in.
This resulted in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against Heyward for taunting, as officials had evidently seen enough interaction between the two.
The Bills proceeded to score the game’s final 10 points, securing a 19-point win. Allen completed 15 of 23 pass attempts for 123 yards, including 1 touchdown and 1 interception. He also contributed 38 rushing yards and a touchdown. Heyward concluded with eight tackles, including two tackles resulting in a loss of yardage.
Allen provided minimal information when questioned about the exchange with Heyward after the game. He was not questioned regarding Heyward’s kneeing accusation, which Heyward seemed to make following Allen’s press conference.
“I appreciate the competitive spirit of this game,” Allen remarked. “He is such an exceptional player. Sometimes, that kind of intensity is necessary to motivate you.”
