The Steelers used two rookies and made a big statement with a come from behind win over the loudmouth underperforming Cleveland Browns. Devlin “Duck” Hodges and Benny Snell led the Steelers offense and Bud Dupree and Joe Haden led the Steelers defense. It was a redemption game for Mike Tomlin who clearly out coached Freddie Kitchens.
The Browns started fast, scoring on two of the first three drives and then disappeared. The defense settled in and made the necessary adjustments, after giving up 91 yards in the first half on the ground, the Browns managed just 15 more yards for the rest of the game. Javon Hargrave and Cam Heyward set the tone. Hargrave had a huge sack of Baker Mayfield taking the Browns out of field goal range and Cam Heyward recovered a fumble that led to a Steelers score.
Bud Dupree and T.J. Watt gave the Browns all they could handle on the outside, Dupree had 1.5 sacks and Watt had a big sack and several pressures. The constant pressure from the outside kept Mayfield on the run and this time the whole defense did a better job of keeping Mayfield in the pocket, something that killed the Steelers in the first matchup.
The secondary played another top-notch game, holding Mayfield to less than two hundred yards. He never completed a pass of more than 23 yards and even that was controversial. The refs gave Jarvis Landry a gift catch on a play that should have never been overturned. Odell Beckham disappeared in the game and was never a factor. Joe Haden sealed the win with a big interception with about a minute left.
The offense looked better under Hodges. He played well after the first two series and made some nice throws. He still needs development and lacks pocket presence, but his first start was clearly a success. James Washington is beginning to develop into the big play threat the Steelers envisioned, he finished with four catches for 111 yards and a 44-yard touchdown that he was interfered with on. Vance McDonald finally got back into the passing game. Even Nick Vannett had a catch. Diontae Johnson had a tough day and made some key mistakes, including running the wrong route on Hodges only turnover.
Benny Snell did a workman like job carrying 16 times on the ground for 63 yards. He also had a very big 11-yard run that helped the Steelers escape their own goal line, after another botched call by the referees. Jaylen Samuels did a nice job as the third down back and the wildcat quarterback. The offensive line pushed the Browns front all over the field.
The Special teams had several key contributions including Chris Boswell hitting two field goals and Kerrith Whyte having the longest return of the season. He has carved a role for himself as the return man. The coverage units were tight and kept the Browns in check.
Hats off to Mike Tomlin, whose team was focused and ready for a tough game. They never panicked when down and had the answers for a talented yet undisciplined Browns team. The play calling is a little suspect, but when you beat your arch-rivals with your fourth string quarterback and without either of your best playmakers, you are a great coach.
The refs ARE HORRIBLE! This crew blew several calls and might be the slowest crew in the league. Another awful week.
It was two weeks late, but the Steelers have now put the Browns almost completely out of the playoff picture.
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Duck Hodges, who performed admirably and made the needed adjustments, he is clearly a work in progress, but did what was needed to win. Also Considered: Joe Haden, who had the game clinching interception. Mike Tomlin, who was clearly the difference between the two teams and Bud Dupree, who forced a fumble and had 1.5 sacks.
Where I watched the game: At the house in front of the fireplace, with the Tailgate kid D-Man and KGB! Little Miss Tailgate had to go back to college before the game. KGB made Thanksgiving Fritters out of the leftovers and Stuffing coated hot dogs with mustard gravy. The game turned when the snacks showed up! PHENOMENAL! KGB had Iron City and D-man had Barqs Root Beer, I had one of the last of my 16ounce IC Lights from the ‘Burgh trip!
My Stat of the week: 1-1 the Steelers split with the Browns for the first time since 2014 and the Browns have not swept the Steelers since 1988! After all the talk, their idiot coach wearing an obnoxious t-shirt, they came up empty again! It was the 16th straight home win for the Steelers against the Browns.
My Thoughts on next week: This is the classic Tomlin trap game, a road game against an inferior team, the Cardinals. The Steelers need a big win here to hold their playoff spot. Look for another tough close win!
This week’s Jersey: Dermonti Dawson, #63, Throwback 1968 Home jersey, I was hoping this would have been the throwback used this season. It was designed by Ambassador Rooney.