Darrius Heyward-Bey has strong game for Steelers

Despite a stagnant 2014 season , Darrius Heyward-Bey is off to a great start in 2015.

Heyward-Bey turned in a strong game on Thursday evening.

The former Maryland wideout only caught three passes for 33 yards during the 2014 season. Heyward-Bey was only targeted five times and also managed to lose a fumble.

However, the 2015 season looks a lot more promising for the former Terrapin star.

Heyward-Bey caught four passes for 58 yards and was targeted seven times for the Pittsburgh Steelers in their season opener. The highlight of his night was a 43-yard catch on a deep pass from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

On the route, Heyward-Bey just ran a deep streak and Roethlisberger hit him in stride ahead of New England Patriots cornerback Bradley Fletcher.

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Being a deep threat is what Heyward-Bey was been throughout his collegiate and professional career. During his time in College Park, caught 138 passes for 2,089 yards and 13 touchdowns through the air.

Heyward-Bey was one of the most dangerous pass catchers in the ACC during his time at Maryland.

Following the 2008 season, the Oakland Raiders selected Heyward-Bey with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. The Raiders passed on former Texas Tech and San Francisco 49ers Michael Crabtree for Heyward-Bey.

The former Terp had four lackluster years with the Raiders in which he caught 140 passes for 2,071 yards and 11 touchdowns. His best season came in 2011 when he caught 64 passes for 975 yards and four touchdowns.

With Martavis Bryant out for the first four games, Heyward-Bey could be one of the top options for the Steelers. He was third in targets next to Antonio Brown and Heath Miller.

Hopefully this is the first of many solid performances from Heyward-Bey this season.

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