CLEVELAND — There’s definitely something different, and perhaps even a little strange, about Sunday’s matchup between the Steelers and Browns.
The AFC North rivals have identical 6-3 records, questions at quarterback (a new problem for the Browns this week), and two of the NFL’s most passionate fan bases, but they separate the teams. There may be slight differences.
Hold onto that damn towel.
Cleveland’s defense is excellent.
“They’re probably playing better than anyone right now.” Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin said he never gives unwarranted praise. “They have a great collection of talent and a great schematic approach to that collection of talent.”
Not to be confused with Pittsburgh’s famous Steel Curtain defense of the 1970s, Cleveland’s unnicknamed unit has ranked at the top of the league for most of this season, and the Browns have lost all-world edge rusher Myles Garrett. I am trying to rely on others. . More than ever.
With quarterback Deshaun Watson ending his season with a fractured right shoulder, the Browns are counting on their defense to carry them.
This isn’t necessarily new, as Cleveland’s defense (ranked No. 1 overall and against the pass) has helped the Browns overcome obstacles all season.
Whether it was a key injury, quarterback uncertainty, questionable calls or a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit last week against Baltimore, the Browns found a way.
“It’s the resilience of this team, man.” linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. said. “The players in this locker room, I believe in all of them. Everybody believes in each other. Shooting, defensively, we’ve got to control what we can control and that’s what we’re going to do there. It’s about going out there and getting stops. What we feel is that if the team doesn’t score, we can’t win.
“So we know we have to play elite defense.”
Elite may not be enough to describe Garrett’s play.
He has 11 sacks, but that doesn’t tell the whole story behind his dominance. Even though the team has built a game plan around him, Garrett still causes havoc.
“Mr. Garrett,” Tomlin said: “We are living through a special season.”
Tomlin watched film and noted that the Cincinnati Bengals used their tackles and running backs to block Garrett, but still got sacked. Indianapolis was similar, dedicating tight ends to help the tacklers, and Garrett abused them as well.
“That’s what guys like him do.” Tomlin said. “But he’s not a one-man gang.”
First-year coordinator Jim Schwartz got the most out of Garrett and had the defense play at historic levels. The Browns are allowing 242.7 yards per game, the fewest by a team through 10 games since the Steelers in 2008.
“I can’t say enough about Jim Schwartz’s accomplishments. In fact, he doesn’t need any endorsement from me.” Tomlin said. “The tape is his and their storyteller.”
second help
Rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson vowed to make the most of his second chance when it comes.
Arrived.
Thompson Robinson, a fifth-round pick out of UCLA, will replace Watson and try to keep the 6-3 Browns in playoff contention for the third time since 1999.
Thompson-Robinson was a flop in his NFL debut as a last-minute replacement for the injured Watson on Oct. 1 against Baltimore, throwing three picks in a 28-3 loss.
Coach Kevin Stefanski believes a full week of preparation will make a big difference for the 24-year-old, who feels more prepared.
“After the first go-around, it’s like you’re knocking off all the rust and stuff.” He said. “It’s going to be night and day. Just my progress, my maturity, how I’ve handled the week so far and the week before that. Just being able to learn from that first experience, and that’s what it was for me. It will be a big help.”
internal work
The Steelers lost veteran inside linebackers Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander to season-ending injuries in consecutive weeks, testing Pittsburgh’s depth and scattered run defense.
The Steelers have allowed at least 100 rushing yards in eight of their nine games, including a season-high 198 yards against Cleveland in the teams’ first meeting on September 18, a 26-22 Pittsburgh victory. did.
Elandon Roberts will have second-year pro Mark Robinson and former Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mychal Walker (signed to the practice squad late last month) as part of a rotation that will help Pittsburgh play safeties in passing situations. That could include dropping, which will likely result in more snaps. .
The chance to join a playoff-contending team is a long time coming for Walker, who has bounced back since being fired by the Falcons in August.
“I’ve never hit over .500 in my career.” Walker said. “I didn’t sign here thinking I was going to get a chance to contribute right away, but I’m glad they knew my resume and what I could bring and that they gave me this opportunity. It means a lot.”
picket picket
The Steelers are the first team to set a winning record by winning each of their first nine games. That included a come-from-behind victory over Cleveland, where the offense actually lost yards in the fourth quarter, but won on a scoop-and-win. Score by All-Pro linebacker TJ Watt.
Coach Tomlin said second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett will need to take a step forward for the second half of the season, but the Steelers will remain as run-focused as they were the driving force behind a 7-2 finish a year ago. seems to be shifting its focus to attacks.
Pittsburgh heads into Cleveland with momentum behind Jalen Warren and Najee Harris, who have racked up 371 total rushing yards over the past two weeks.
“We are maturing and growing and trying to achieve the balance we are always looking for.” Pickett said. “We’re going to continue to push that forward. But right now, I think we’re in a much better place with the run game than we were in Week 2.”