The Pittsburgh Steelers entered Week 14 against the Cleveland Browns facing significant challenges. News of wide receiver George Pickens’ being listed as inactive due to a hamstring injury was a major blow to an offense reliant on his dynamic playmaking.
Pickens, ranked ninth in the NFL with 850 receiving yards, has been a cornerstone of Arthur Smith’s system. Without him, the Steelers had to adapt quickly to find a way to win. Thanks to contributions from key players on both sides of the ball, Pittsburgh secured its 10th win, prevailing in a gritty contest. Here were the three keys to victory.
Offensive adjustments pay off in the second half
The Steelers struggled offensively in the first half, entering the locker room locked in a scoreless stalemate. The absence of Pickens left Russell Wilson without his most reliable target, and the offense seemed out of sync. However, the team found its spark in the second half, thanks to tight end Pat Freiermuth.
Freiermuth stepped up when the Steelers needed him most, hauling in a 20-yard touchdown pass to break the deadlock. He finished the game with three receptions for 48 yards, each coming at pivotal moments. His efforts provided stability to the passing attack, allowing Pittsburgh to regain momentum and establish a rhythm in the second half.
Dominant performance from Steelers' defensive front
The second key to the Steelers’ victory was their relentless pass rush. Pittsburgh’s front four, led by Alex Highsmith and Cameron Heyward, wreaked havoc on Browns quarterback Jameis Winston. Highsmith recorded one sack, while Heyward added two more, consistently pressuring Winston into mistakes.
That pressure led to two interceptions, which proved crucial in derailing Cleveland’s offensive efforts. Although T.J. Watt did not record a sack, his impact was felt in the run game, as he helped limit Nick Chubb to just 48 yards rushing. The Steelers’ defensive front played with urgency and discipline, neutralizing the Browns’ attack and giving the offense opportunities to capitalize.
Veteran leadership from Russell Wilson
The final key to victory was the steadiness of quarterback Russell Wilson. Despite missing his top target, Wilson remained composed, leading the Steelers with veteran poise. His ability to adapt without Pickens was evident, as he leaned on his mobility to keep the Browns’ defense guessing.
Wilson showcased his versatility with a 10-yard pass-option touchdown to Van Jefferson, a play more reminiscent of Justin Fields’ skill set than Wilson’s traditional style. He finished the game with two touchdown passes and 158 yards through the air, efficiently guiding the Steelers to victory.
The Steelers faced significant adversity in Week 14 but overcame it with contributions from key leaders on both sides. Freiermuth’s timely heroics, the defense’s relentless pressure, and Wilson’s steady hand were instrumental in securing the win.
Pittsburgh's next test against the Philadelphia Eagles will demand a more complete performance. The Steelers must build on this victory and prepare for a formidable opponent, as every win becomes critical in their quest for postseason success.