What we learned from Steelers win against Browns

The Steelers ‘made short work’ of the Cleveland Browns to remain undefeated

Well, the Steelers are still undefeated through the first five games of the 2020 NFL season.  As I have stated several times before, I will take a win in any form or fashion we can get it, but how we earned the victory against the Browns was impressive, to say the least.

According to NFL.com, the Steelers ‘D’ held the Browns offense to 220 yards, 7 points, and a third-down conversion percentage of 8 percent.  You read that right…an 8 percent third-down completion percentage.  The ‘D’ also generated 4 sacks and 2 INTs.  That is exactly the type of performance we will need as we continue the journey through the 2020 season.

So, what else did we learn from the Steelers win against the Browns?  Let’s take a look.

The Steelers offense is ‘firing on all cylinders’ right now

Against the Browns, we gained only 277 yards; however, we scored 38 points, had 129 yards rushing, had a 35 percent third-down conversion rate, and possessed the ball for 35 minutes and change.  I think the game against the Browns showcased the facet of the offense that was non-existent in 2019, which is this:  if we can run the ball effectively and sprinkle in some passes here and there, we will win most of our games.

What I like about our offense as it is currently constructed is that we are getting contributions from not only veteran players but rookies as well.  The degree to which the Steelers offense can continue to achieve success with contributions from different players can only improve our chances of playing meaningful football in January.

The Steelers ‘D’ was dominant against the Browns

As I stated above, our ‘D’ completely ‘steamrolled’ the Browns offense.  It was the kind of performance that we have been waiting for through the first four games of the season.  For the fifth game of the season, the Steelers ‘D’ finally showed us what we are capable of if we play ‘team’ defense.

That’s not to say that the Steelers defense has not played ‘team’ defense all year but to completely dominate a division rival proves that we the Steelers defense is ‘on the same page’, we are a formidable unit.

The Steelers kept the ‘winning train’ on the tracks against the Browns

What I learned from the win against the Browns was honestly nothing new.  I say that because when I started watching the Steelers in 1978, we had a very simple but effective winning formula: run the ball effectively, throw it when the opportunity presents itself, convert third-downs, and play a smothering style of defense.

That is exactly what was on display against the Browns. If we continue to play complementary football for the remainder of the season, I dare say that we will not only be in the discussion for winning the AFC North Division but the AFC Conference as well.  If we win the AFC Conference, I think the ‘sky is the limit’.