While it seemed like a lot of fans expected it, it was frustrating to see the Steelers drop their previous game against the Browns. Despite having one of the worst records in the league, Cleveland hung around and pulled out the win on a snowy Thursday night game. Pittsburgh got back on track last week, but they need to continue that momentum this week against the Browns.
Despite the bad record, the Browns aren’t playing horribly. Jameis Winston has been a clear upgrade at quarterback even if he comes with his issues (that being turnovers). Their defense can get after the quarterback, and their receivers have been making a ton of big plays.
While there are a handful of players that make sense this week to highlight, I actually find myself focused on coaching this week. Of course, a good game plan and proper coaching are key every week, but this specific coach needs to rebound from a poor showing against the Browns previously. I think he holds the keys to winning this week in his hands.
The Steelers offense needs to continue their hot streak
It had been years since the Steelers put up as many points as they did against the Bengals last week, and it feels equally long since we saw such a dynamic offensive showing from this team. Arthur Smith deserves a lot of the praise for that, as he schemed up a great game plan to counter Cincinnati’s high-octane offense.
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Now, to be clear, Pittsburgh doesn’t need to put up 40-plus points every week. Maintaining that is unrealistic. My point is that, up until this past week, we haven’t seen the offense operate like that this season. The tempo was up pace and aggressive, and the passing game was opened up like we hadn’t seen before.
This wasn’t a massively inventive offense either. The first half was dominated by screens and check-downs, but it kept the offense moving at a quick pace. The run game was established later, and it did what it needed to do to help keep the ball away from the Bengals late in the game.
Compare that to the previous Browns game and you have two different stories. That game plan was conservative and timid, and it ultimately cost the team the win. This offense was so much more open against the Bengals and it needs to stay that way this week.
That isn’t to say it has to be identical either. You don’t need to fly down the field against Cleveland to win, and if the run game gets going sooner all the better. That said, we saw how flexible and aggressive this offense can be. If things aren’t working, you need to open things up.
If Smith can call another excellent game this week, the Steelers should have no issue beating the Browns. If, however, he decides to go uber-conservative again with little to no flexibility, we could see another upset. Smith crafted up an excellent offense last week, and regression from that would be detrimental to this team.