4 winners and 2 losers from Steelers 38-7 win vs. Browns

Winner: James Washington

James Washington was suffering through some quiet games to start the season, making him a potential weak spot on the offense. His problem is he is dependent on the deep game. While he can make short catches, he doesn’t have the after the catch-ability of some of the other receiving options on this team. Washington won deep this week though, and he reminded the Steelers what he can do when he and Ben Roethlisberger are connecting deep.

Take his touchdown, for instance, where he won deep after splitting the Browns defense. He showed his ability to beat coverages deep and provide the big play. He didn’t stop there, as he ended the day with an impressive stat line of 4/68/1. If he could put up numbers like that regularly, he would secure his role as the Steelers third receiver.

While Washington has likely reached his ceiling, he is proving well worth a starting spot as long as the Steelers are throwing deep. Previous wins were more reliant on the short passing game, and while Washington would get his catches, he wouldn’t average a lot per catch. Assuming Roethlisberger continues to throw the ball deep, Washington should continue to see some big-play opportunities.