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Questions Steelers fans need answered for Thursday’s matchup vs. the Browns

By Edward Hunt

CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills is sacked by defensive end Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills is sacked by defensive end Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 10: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after making a sack during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Heinz Field on November 10, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 10: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after making a sack during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Heinz Field on November 10, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

A major theme of the 2019 season is the strength of this defense. They were the catalyst for the Steelers winning the game against the Rams. I also think the defense kept them in games when they were losing. A good example is the four turnovers from the 49ers game.

I really like the play of Cameron Heyward and TJ Watt. Those guys have been Pro Bowl worthy candidates throughout the year. He has also seen guys like Steven Nelson and Bud Dupree step up for this defense. Minkah Fitzpatrick has also been worth a first-round pick even if that pick is in the top 5. (Don’t worry, it won’t be)

According to NFL.com, the Steelers defense has been ranked 12th in yards allowed per game. That is a modest stat compared to how many turnovers this team has created. This team has 12 fumble recoveries and 13 interceptions according to Pro Football Reference. That shows this team is creating turnovers, which is more important than yards allowed, in my opinion.

The Steelers will take on the Browns offense, which has been a disappointment this year. They will still need to get pressure on Baker Mayfield and will need to contain Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry. I would put Steven Nelson on Odell Beckham Jr and think if he plays to his potential that he can contain Odell Beckham Jr.

This matchup is intriguing from a defensive planning standpoint for Keith Butler. Even though the Browns are division rivals, this is the first time the Steelers will face Freddie Kitchens. This is also the first time the Steelers will meet Todd Monken as the Browns offensive coordinator. They may have faced them with other teams, but this is the first time with these guys at the controls.

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