By Ray Porter Jr. for Urban Media Today
PITTSBURGH, PA–When the Pittsburgh Steelers lost to the Cleveland Browns on October 1, many felt like it was the Browns time to prove that they are just as good (or better) than their longstanding AFC North Rivals as they scored 27 points on the Steelers defense including an effortless game-winning drive that ended with a game-winning field goal. DE Jared Verse added to the drama by calling the Steelers ‘dirty’ and ‘garbage’ and that they were going to make the Steelers ‘theirs.’
Apparently, the Steelers didn’t think too fondly of Verse’s comments or their loss to the Browns in their first game as they welcomed them to Pittsburgh for the rematch and sent them back up the Turnpike after soundly defeating them 27-6 in front of 66,896 at Acrisure Stadium. The win improved the Steelers’ record to 6-2 and gave them sole possession of first place.
“Definitely, you got to say ‘trending’ [with] winning four in a row. I think we are exactly what our record says we are. I think we’ve really focused on improving in certain areas. I think we’re doing that,” said Mike McCarthy. “I think our run defense has really set the bar really high these last two weeks. I just thought the way they started the game was real impressive. We wanted to run the ball, so that was a focal point today. I feel like we accomplished that.”
The Steelers defense completely swarmed the Browns offense and QB Deshaun Watson (27/39, 354 yards) forcing 2 fumbles and sacking him 8 times, led by 2 from LB TJ Watt, who also set the record for most sacks vs. the Browns (19.5)
The Steelers’ 8 sacks today are tied for most in a game this season with the Jets, who also had 8 against the Browns It also marks the Steelers most in a single game since 2021 Week 17 when they had 9 … also against the Browns. They also did not allow a TD all game.
“I think when you get into division games, the bigger the game, the importance on making those critical plays. I thought our defense really highlighted that today. The fourth down stops, keeping them out of the end zone, the turnovers early giving us the field position,” said McCarthy. “When you’re taking care of the ball, getting the takeaways, running the football, winning the time of possession. Offensively, we definitely feel like we should have scored more points today. That goes without being said. It gives us things to keep working on. But we took a step in the right direction today. It was important for us to come out of this stretch 6-2. That’s where we are.”
On offense, the Steelers’ run game was simply magnificent as they rushed for 200 yards, led by Jaylen Warren’s career-high 143to go along with a 3rd quarter TD. It was Warren’s 3rd consecutive 100-yard game and his 4th this season. Fellow RB Rico Dowdle added 57 yards and a TD for the Steelers.
“I mean, it starts up front obviously. We got two dynamic backs. Jaylen [Warren] is on fire. You can’t get him the ball enough. Rico [Dowdle], he’s playing well, too. I think those two are hitting their stride. It’s important for those two men to touch the ball each and every week,” said McCarthy.
TE Pat Freiermuth (2 Rec, 35 yards) scored the other Steelers TD as he rushed for a 1-yard ‘Tush Push’ TD late in the first half. QB Aaron Rodgers went 13/25 for 172 yards (Int). TE Darnell Washington led all Steelers receivers with 94 yards (3 receptions), including a 58-yarder. K Chris Boswell added 2 field goals.
The First-place Steelers will now head into a Bye week with hope of resting, recharging, and healing before resuming their season in Cincinnati vs. the Bengals on November 15th. Their mission remains clear: Success by consistency as the NFL season begins its 2nd half.
“I think we were clearly ready to play today. I thought our guys did a great job keeping it about beating Cleveland, doing the things that we needed to do to beat Cleveland, play the way we want to play schematically,” said McCarthy. “We’re chasing a play style and a standard of play style and continue to get the production from that play style. It’s the padded work, the things that you need to work on, you start getting into maintenance mode here in November, December. We want to get our level as high as we can so we’re competing each and every week to win.”
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