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USATSI

Ben Roethlisberger made waves this week when he said that the Pittsburgh Steelers' rich tradition may no longer exist. Cam Heyward, one of the Steelers' current captains, doesn't agree with his former teammate's damming take. 

Roethlisberger's comments came after the Steelers became the first team in NFL history to have a winning record and lose consecutive games to teams that were at least eight games below .500. 

"Ben has an opinion. He's entitled to that, but I don't agree," Heyward said Thursday on "Good Morning Football." "These last two games has been rough, but the 'Steelers Way' is about grinding it out and it doesn't matter what's going on. 

"There's plenty to be done about it, and the tradition starts by winning games, having good defense and scoring points. Hopefully we can adjust that this week."

It seems that Heyward and Roethlisberger may have different opinions on what the "Steelers Way" actually is. Roethlisberger appeared to be alluding to the traditions and overall mentality that was started by the 1970s teams and was then handed down to every team afterward. 

Heyward's comments would suggest that the "Steelers Way" is more about finding ways to win regardless of the circumstance. 

So, what exactly is the "Steelers Way"? It's probably a little bit of both. With a few exceptions (seven, to be exact), the Steelers have largely been able to put together winning seasons each year since 1972. So Heyward is right to suggest that a large part of the "Steelers Way" is about finding ways to win on a consistent basis. In fact, Heyward's belief mimics Hall of Fame coach Chuck Noll's famous "whatever it takes" quote that seemed to define the mentality of the '70s Steelers that won four Super Bowls in six years. 

The Steelers can get back to that part of their tradition this weekend when they face a Colts team that is also fighting for a playoff spot. A win this weekend would not only help bolster Pittsburgh's playoff hopes; it may also help bring together a locker room that has not always appeared to be on the same page. 

"They're a complete team," Heyward said of the also 7-6 Colts. "They find ways to win games. They're right in the thick of it. We're right in the thick of it. Should be a hell of a game."