The Pittsburgh Steelers head to Cleveland for a cold and rainy Thursday night showdown against the Browns. Cleveland has been a house of horrors for the Steelers in recent years, with Pittsburgh losing four of their last five games there. Despite the Browns’ 2-8 record, divisional matchups are always unpredictable, where records often go out the window.
With a short week to prepare following their physical battle against Baltimore, the Steelers face another tough test. This matchup in Cleveland won’t be a cakewalk, and if Pittsburgh wants to flip the script and leave with a win, they’ll need to focus on these key Browns players.
QB, Jameis Winston
Since Jameis Winston took over for Deshaun Watson, the Browns have been enjoying their best quarterback play in recent memory. Cleveland's passing game has taken significant strides, showcasing more aggression and explosiveness than before. Winston is your classic gunslinger—unafraid to let it fly, even if it occasionally gets him into trouble.
The Browns' current mindset, with nothing to lose, makes them a dangerous opponent for Pittsburgh. To counter this threat, the Steelers' secondary must replicate their strong performance from Sunday, staying disciplined and ready to capitalize on Winston's risky throws. Turning his daring tendencies into turnovers could be the key to a Pittsburgh victory.
RB, Nick Chubb
This will mark the first time Nick Chubb faces the Browns since his season-ending injury in Week 2 last year against Pittsburgh. One of the league's most dominant running backs throughout his career, Chubb has been a major thorn in the Steelers side for years. You can bet this matchup will carry extra personal motivation for him after what happened last season. Pittsburgh's run defense was outstanding in limiting both Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson on Sunday, and they'll need that exact same level of effort to contain Chubb this time around.
G, Joel Bitonio & Wyatt Teller
These two guards are the heart and soul of the offensive line. For the Steelers' defensive line to effectively stop the run and put pressure on Winston, they'll need to maintain their dominance.
DE, Myles Garrett
One of the league's top pass rushers is no stranger to Steelers fans, and an elite talent like Garrett will undoubtedly have the Steelers' offense on high alert Thursday. I expect Pittsburgh to give Garrett the same level of attention that teams typically reserve for TJ Watt. Darnell Washington will likely play a key role, chipping in to slow down Garrett and providing additional support with double-teams in the run game.
CB, Denzel Ward
One of the top corners in the league is set to be another tough challenge for George Pickens this season. The Steelers' passing game revolves around Pickens, and more often than not, he has come out on top in most of his matchups.