The Steelers started off slow but eventually put it into overdrive as they dominated the Browns at Heinz field again winning 33-18. They combined a balanced offense with an aggressive defense.
James Conner was the story of the day, putting together his third 100-yard game of the season with 114 yards coming in the second half and finishing with 212 yards from scrimmage. He caught six passes for 66 yards and pounded the Browns defense with 146 yards on the ground and two touchdowns.
To put together a game like that, it starts up front. The offensive line after a shaky first quarter absolutely stuffed the Browns front. Myles Garret had one sack and was never heard from again. Matt Feiler acquitted himself nicely after one bad play and absolutely helped spark the running game. The line has produced three 100-yard games in a row.
The defense went back to a familiar formula…Blitzing. The numbers don’t tell the story because Baker Mayfield was on the run all day and had nowhere to go and nowhere to go and no time to throw. And after starting with 52 yards in the first half Nick Chubb had was an afterthought in the second half. The Secondary produced its best performance of the season limiting Mayfield to just 180 yards with a portion of that coming when the game was well in hand.
The biggest glaring difference in the game however was the coaching. The Steelers clearly out coached Hue Jackson who seemed lost at times. Getting the Steelers back to “Steelers Football” was huge in this game, power running and blitzing defenses.
The special teams continue to absolutely make one weird play after the other, this time losing a free kick after the safety. Little Bos seems to have bounced back as has Jordan Berry, who was instrumental in setting up the safety!
The refs were again way to involved in the game. They made several calls that were just atrocious, including phantom pass interference calls and a missed spot that really hurt Cleveland. The first quarter dragged on for what seemed like forever.
In the end the Steelers beat the Browns and stand atop the division!
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: This has to go to James Conner. He put on a clinic of what a running back should be and he absolutely took the game over. Also Considered, Matt Feiler who did a terrific job filling in for Marcus Gilbert. Joe Haden who played great and had to be happy being on this side of the rivalry.
Where I watched the game: Back at the house, which is my favorite thing. No beer again because I am in training for a boxing match. KGB had wine instead of Beer in solidarity with me, which I appreciated. She also made homemade Guacamole, Quesadilla’s and chicken cutlets for dinner. Watching with the Tailgate kids was a great way to spend a Sunday!
My Stat of the week: 14 0f 20 times the “new” Browns have had a losing season against the Steelers, including 2002 when they lost three games and this season where they lost one game and had one tie. They have had five splits with the last being in 2014 and ZERO winning seasons against the Steelers and last won at Heinz Field in 2003.
My Thoughts on next week: The Steelers will march into Baltimore and beat the fading Ravens. “Babe it’s Ravens Week!”
This week’s Jersey: Rod Woodson, #26 Throwback…well not really, I bought it over 20 years ago, so I guess it is a Way Back! It was my first Steelers jersey that I purchased with my own money and I usually wear to the Turkey Bowl!