The Steelers’ Thursday night matchup against the Cleveland Browns in Week 12 was a harsh reminder of Pittsburgh’s ongoing struggles, as they fumbled the divisional showdown in a sloppy 24-19 loss.
For the second consecutive game, Pittsburgh failed to find the end zone in the three quarters -- extending their touchdown drought to seven. The lack of offensive production not only left the team’s playoff hopes in jeopardy but also placed immense pressure on Teryl Austin’s defense to carry the load against a methodical Browns attack.
Browns’ Balanced Approach derailed Steelers' defense
Cleveland’s game plan was clear: convert on fourth down, protect the ball, and manage the clock. This strategy proved effective early, as the Browns wore down Pittsburgh’s front seven, making it difficult for them to generate consistent pressure on quarterback Jameis Winston. While Winston wasn’t spectacular, he was efficient and made key plays to earn a win.
The Browns offense methodically moved the ball throughout the game, exposing weaknesses in the Steelers’ secondary. Joey Porter Jr., a promising presence in Pittsburgh’s defense, became a focal point for Cleveland’s passing attack. The Browns consistently targeted him, gradually chipping away at the league’s top-ranked defense.
The defining moment came late in the game when Winston scored on a fourth-and-goal touchdown scramble, capping a drive that epitomized Cleveland’s aggressive approach. The Browns converted multiple fourth-down attempts throughout the game, keeping drives alive and the Steelers defense on the field far too long.
Jaylen Warren responded with a three-yard touchdown run, keeping Pittsburgh's in the game. Consecutive turnovers in the fourth quarter helped Mike Tomlin's group comeback overcome a 15-point deficit. A last-minute touchdown drive orchestrated by Winston gave Cleveland the lead late in the game. It was a gut-wrenching ending to an extremely long night.
Steelers' offense fizzles for the second consecutive game
Offensively, Pittsburgh showed little improvement from their previous outings. Russell Wilson, though efficient at times, made critical mistakes in a game that left no room for error. He frequently connected with George Pickens, but the lack of complementary playmakers or a functioning run game prevented the Steelers from sustaining drives.
A timely turnover provided the veteran quarterback an opportunity to right his wrongs. Wilson connected with Calvin Austin III on a 23-yard touchdown. It was enough to give the Steelers the lead with six minutes remaining, but not enough to secure a victory.
Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, typically reliable options in the backfield, were virtually nonexistent in the face of Cleveland’s stout defensive front. The wintery conditions didn’t help, but the Steelers’ inability to adapt to the elements was evident.
The biggest thorn in Pittsburgh’s side was Myles Garrett, who dominated the line of scrimmage. His three first-half sacks set the tone, forcing the Steelers into uncomfortable situations and stalling their drives before they could cross the Browns’ 40-yard line. Garrett’s relentless pressure exemplified the uphill battle Pittsburgh faced throughout the game.
Areas for Improvement for the Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers leave Week 12 with a laundry list of concerns. Offensively, the team remains stagnant. Despite Russell Wilson’s respectable stat line, Arthur Smith’s unit has been unable to finish drives, putting enormous pressure on kicker Chris Boswell to keep them in games. The run game disappeared, and the offensive line struggled against an elite pass rushers.
Defensively, Pittsburgh appeared vulnerable against a powerful rusher like Nick Chubb and failed to capitalize on opportunities against Winston, a mid-tier quarterback. The lack of consistent pass rush and lapses in the secondary, particularly against Joey Porter Jr., must be addressed quickly. The defense lacked urgency on fourth down - resulting in extended drives. They created turnovers, but they came too late in the game.
Looking Ahead
For all their flaws, the Steelers have one constant: Mike Tomlin’s leadership. Tomlin has a reputation for steering his teams through tough stretches, and there’s no reason to believe he won’t find a way to address these issues. However, the Steelers face a grueling slate of games that won’t forgive the same mistakes.
To stay in the playoff race, Pittsburgh must rediscover their offensive identity and find ways to score touchdowns. Otherwise, their promising start to the season risks being overshadowed by a frustrating finish. The clock is ticking for this team to turn things around before these issues become habits.