2 winners and 3 losers from Steelers 48-37 loss vs. Browns

Loser: The Defense

Let’s keep this train rolling with the defense on the losers list. Yes, they were put into quite a few unfavorable positions early in the game due to turnovers but giving up 47 points is inexcusable in the playoffs. The group needed to force some big plays if a comeback was to incur, but that never happened. Instead, this group crumbled and became a liability for the Steelers.

Had this been a normal defense, this narrative would be different, but they were arguably the top unit entering into the playoffs, and they played poorly. Part of this was due to the offense, but they aren’t solely at fault. As well, part of it was on coaching, as linebackers were tasked with covering receivers at points on the day. But again, that isn’t the whole story. This unit seemed out of sync and ill-prepared for the dynamic Browns offense.

To that point, tackling was an issue at times, but the biggest issue was the pass rush. Despite the Browns being down multiple starters and having beat this offensive line before, the Steelers struggled to generate any sort of a pass rush. This allowed Baker Mayfield the time to pick this defense apart. Throw in the average play elsewhere, and this good defense severely underperformed this week.