Predicting three games the Steelers will win and lose in 2020
By Andrew Falce
Week 6: Browns at Steelers
After a rough start, the Steelers have rattled off three straight wins en route to facing the 2-3 Browns, who shockingly look like the same Browns team that is fielded each year (mediocre). The Steelers have found success on offense, with impressive production from Conner (5 total TDs) and the three starting WRs (each has at least one 100-yard performance). As well, the defense has been dominant, holding Derek Henry to only 63 total yards in week four and have 7 total takeaways in the previous three weeks.
The Browns put an end to this streak, as the team comes in unprepared. Myles Garret is a terror on defense, sacking Roethlisberger 2.5 times and mocking Mason Rudolph in the process. While the Browns offense isn’t overly impressive (A Nick Chubb TD and three field goals are all they can muster), a pick sick from Karl Joseph seals the game late.
The Steelers can’t get the run game going, which aids in the defeat. Conner only musters 50 total yards while Snell has a horrendous stat line (8 carries, 12 yards). Even McFarland, who has added some pop as a big-play threat, carries the ball 3 times for 10 yards. The receivers don’t fare much better. Washington does connect on a deep post for 38 yards, but Johnson and Smith-Schuster combine for four receptions and 43 yards. Ebron drops a crucial 4th down conversion as well, ending the final drive for the Steelers.
The lone bright spot for the Steelers is rookie Chase Claypool, who to that point had only 2 catches and 16 yards. To open the second half, he burns Greedy Williams on a 59-yard bomb that gives him his first TD (he hands that ball to his mom, who is sitting in the endzone cheering him on). He adds a second TD later on, an outside fade where he bullies Denzel Ward in the end zone. His 4 reception, 96-yard day, and two TDs aren’t enough though, as the Browns win 23-14 and drop the Steelers to 3-3.