Steelers vs. Browns: Winners and losers from the week 8 win

Steelers winner: Pass rush

While T.J. Watt has had better games as a professional, he was once again the heart and soul of this defense. All said, he added 1.5 sacks to an already impressive sack total and fell on a late fumble that aided the Steelers in getting the eventual victory. He led the team in individual sacks, but the entire unit chipped in four total sacks on the day.

Just about everyone shined this week. Alex Highsmith was his usual speedy self while Cameron Heyward was a bully on the line. Add in Isaiahh Loudermilk and Chris Wormley each recording a sack and this front seven had a strong day. Even Taco Charlton, the former first-round pick elevated from the practice squad, looked good in a reserve role.

This group is already playing at an almost elite level, and it hasn’t even gotten back Stephon Tuitt yet. Once this group is back and healthy, don’t be surprised to see them be the most critical element of this team. They are already stopping most plays that go through them, so adding another elite player to the group is the rich getting richer. This group has been stout this week, and the pass rush was a huge reason this team won.