What to expect in the Steelers matchup against the Browns on Monday Night

Steelers, Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers, Pittsburgh Steelers / Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
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The Steelers will try to rebound in week two against their perennial rival, the much-hated Cleveland Browns. This game will be the Monday night matchup in the NFL. Despite playing the Browns twice every year, this will only be the 4th meeting of the two clubs on Monday Night in their series history. Considering how things unfolded against the 49ers, here are some things you could expect in the game Monday night.

Before humping into the matchup with the Browns, the Steelers historically have always played well on Monday. They are 55-31-1 in the history of Monday Night Football. Since Bill Cowher became the Steelers head coach, the Steelers are 38-12 on Monday Night Football. Things under Mike Tomlin improved; he is a staggering 20-4 in the Monday night game.

However, Bill Cowher never faced the Browns on Monday night. Mike Tomlin beat the Browns on Monday night in 2022. The only coach to lose to the Browns was Chuck Noll in 1985, and he is 1-1 against the Browns on Monday.

What to expect from the Steelers

If you go by history, which sometimes plays a role, the Steelers on Monday night are 2-1 against the Browns. However, against the Browns, despite a 2-1 record, the Steelers have never passed the ball well. On Monday night, the Steelers have never thrown for more than 178 yards against the Browns. And that was Mark Malone in a losing effort. Ben Roethlisberger only threw for 123 yards in his only Monday night matchup with the Browns.

In all three matchups, the Steelers starting quarterback has only thrown one touchdown in each game and three interceptions as well. In the 1995 game, the Steelers did not throw an interception. However, in the 1995 game, Ernie Mills threw the ball on a gadget play to Kordell Stewart. Monday Night Football announcers kept referring to the play as a sandlot football-style play.

Given the Steelers inability to run the ball against the 49ers, fans might want to pay attention. In 2022, Najee Harris had one of his best games rushing, with 188 rushing yards against the Browns. In 1995, Eric Peagram put up 112 rushing yards. In 1985, Frank Pollard and Walter Abercrombie had a combined 55 yards rushing. However, the Steelers only have one rushing touchdown in all three games.

One thing is for certain: the Steelers kicker Chris Boswell could be in for a busy night as Norm Johnson and Chris Boswell have a combined six field goals in 2 Monday night games against the Browns. Thus, whoever wins in the week two game could come down to field goals as being the difference maker. However, in three games, the Browns only averaged 11.33 points per game to the Steelers 17.66 points a game.

Next. Serious questions arise after Steelers were served a slice of humble pie in Week 1. Serious questions arise after Steelers were served a slice of humble pie in Week 1. dark

Regardless of the outcome on Monday night, anytime the Steelers play the Browns, it's fun and exciting whether on Monday night or not. Any game with the Steelers and Browns can have a flair for the dramatic, like when a Browns player attacked Mason Rudolph with his own helmet or Jack Lambert kicking a Browns player in his hind side. Nevertheless, if the Steelers want to get their season back on track, they need to find a win in this game.