Pittsburgh Steelers Week 13 winners and losers vs. Cleveland Browns

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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 01: James Washington #13 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a catch against Denzel Ward #21 of the Cleveland Browns in the second half on December 1, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Winners (cont.):

James Washington

“Go up and go get it, young man!” is something you usually hear from the fanatical uncle or adoring mother as they shout in a revered support. And if you were to listen closely, it’s something you could hear each week if WR James Washington happens to be on the field.

The game-leader in receiving yards (111) and nearly yards per catch (27.8), Washington was on a mission to catch any pass that thrown his way. The exact intangibles that were so sought after coming out of Oklahoma State, were unstoppable against a limited Cleveland secondary. 4-4 on his targets and responsible for Pittsburgh’s first TD, the developing connection with his new QB could be one to watch.

The Defensive Line

There’s no argument that the QB position has the biggest impact in the NFL, and that the change of QB for the Steelers provided a spark, but what the defensive line did against the Browns was on par. Not only was redemption needed after their last matchup, but had to be a difference-maker against a Browns OL that had only been allowing 1.5 sacks per game in the past 4 weeks.

After previously only getting to QB Baker Mayfield one time, the Steelers DL ended with 5 sacks by 5 different players. Causing disruption for the Browns passing game, they also headlined a defensive outing where RB Nick Chubb only ran for a season-low 58 yards, averaging simply 3.6 yards per carry.

Honorable Mentions: RB Benny Snell, CB Joe Haden