The Pittsburgh Steelers are off to a hot 3-1 start and comfortably sit atop the AFC North, which is surprisingly struggling. On Sunday, the Steelers will face the worst team in the division, the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland is entering the game at 1-4, and based on how things have looked this season, this should be an easy win for Pittsburgh.
The Browns have been abysmal offensively, and Sunday will be rookie quarterback Dillion Gabriel’s second start. Additionally, Cleveland played a game in London in Week 5, while Pittsburgh was on a bye. Considering those circumstances, in addition to the skill difference between the teams, the Steelers should make light work of the Browns.
That could happen, but this game also could be tougher than expected for one simple reason: Pittsburgh can’t run the ball.
Pittsburgh Steelers’ struggling run game could hurt them against the Browns
Pittsburgh has won three of four games despite a bad rushing attack. On the season, the Steelers are averaging 80 rushing yards per game, which is second-worst in the NFL. To make matters worse, the Browns have the best rushing defense in the NFL, allowing just 75.6 yards per game on the ground.
Cleveland’s defense, as a whole, is one of the best units in the league, and that’s why the Browns are always competitive in games. There’s a good chance Cleveland will completely shut down the Steelers' running game, and that would make things really hard for Pittsburgh’s offense. While Aaron Rodgers and company have shown they can get the job done without the help of a run game, the Browns also have a good secondary and an elite pass rush.
If the Steelers have to be one-dimensional, Myles Garrett and Cleveland’s defense will be able to get after Rodgers all day. That could result in a low-scoring game that could be decided by the bounce of a ball. That’s what the Browns want, and if they get it, it will be bad news for Pittsburgh.