Just when you thought the Steelers season would be given a 9-2 record going into their Week 12 matchup against the Browns, history could prove otherwise. Most Pittsburgh fans know not to count wins, especially when it comes to opponents they should beat. Anything can happen from week to week in the NFL, and the black and gold are going to be in for a fight on Thursday Night Football.
We have seen the Steelers struggle to stay on task earlier this season. After a tough win against the Ravens, they may still be banged up heading into this game. Cleveland might not be the toughest opponent they will face, but they can beat the Steelers if they look past the Browns. Struggles against inferior teams are a storied connection with Mike Tomlin at the steering wheel.
They will need to focus and turn their attention over quickly if they want to be prepared. Since they have short notice, normally the team who is able to play more physically will win the football game. Cleveland is coming off of a beatdown, but they should be able to heal up and be prepared to try and upset the Steelers.
History will not be on the side of Pittsburgh going into this game.
Mike Tomlin and the Steelers could be cursed on Thursday Night Football
Since Tomlin has taken over the Steelers as Head coach, they hold an 0-3 record against the Browns when they have to play on Thursday night and on the road. That might be a small sample size, but that is nothing to scoff at. There is an obvious issue with Tomlin's team preparation when it comes to playing on a short week and having to play the game in Cleveland.
When you break down those three games, it is tough to assess if they could carry over any impact into this Week 12 fight. The first loss back in 2009 happened after a three-point loss to the Oakland Raiders. Both games were a slight skid for the Steelers at the time. Both of those losses only exemplify how Tomlin has allowed his team to look past inferior opponents during his tenure.
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They lost to the Browns on Thursday Night Football on the road during their 2019 season. This was the infamous game where Myles Garret ripped off Mason Rudolph's helmet and swung it at him. This could be taken with a grain of salt since Rudolph was starting for the Steelers. They also got destroyed by the Browns in 2022 with Mitch Trubisky manning the starting job for Pittsburgh.
Yes, the Browns might be undefeated against the Steelers under Tomlin on Thursday Night Football in Cleveland, but with certain limitations. Pittsburgh has better options at quarterback this time around, and the Browns are reeling. The black and gold cannot allow this past Sunday's game to affect them mentally, or they will let this one slip away. It's going to be close, but Pittsburgh has to end this streak.