Steelers Defense Shines in 26-22 Win Over Browns

You’ve heard the saying a time or two; defense wins championships. That remained the case yesterday as the Pittsburgh Steelers moved to .500 (1-1) on the season with a pivotal 26-22 win against AFC North rival, Cleveland, on Monday Night Football. 

The Steelers came out of the gates ready to rock, as the first play from scrimmage was a pick six off the hands of Minkah Fitzpatrick and into the waiting arms of Alex Highsmith, who ran it all the way home for 6. Couldn’t have asked for a better start for the black and gold, rebounding quickly from a tough game to start the season against the 49ers.

The story line surrounding the game without a doubt follows the defense, which accounted for 4 total turnovers, and 6 sacks on Browns QB DeShaun Watson, including one from TJ Watt, who with that sack set the Steelers franchise record with 81.5 career sacks, passing James Harrison for the record.

Teryl Austin’s unit came out and played a well-rounded game with plenty of contributions from every level. From Larry Ogunjobi getting the punch out and recovery, to Elandon Roberts having several big hits, and even Joey Porter Jr. coming in and making a couple of big plays. Watt also scored the game winning touchdown, after a forced fumble from his edge rushing partner, Highsmith. 

While the defense shined and scored multiple touchdowns in the win for the Steelers, the offensive woes continued, as the group only tallied a total of 9 first downs throughout the contest. The team still struggled to move the ball on the ground, finishing with 55 rushing yards, which limits what a team can do with the passing game that also had its moments. 

While the offense wasn’t at its best, anyone watching could still tell the Steelers did a good job of eliminating pass rusher Myles Garrett who was held to only 1 tackle, 1 QB hit, and 0 sacks. 

Kenny Pickett finished with 222 yards passing with a touchdown, going 15 for 30 and an interception, while posting a QB rating of 71.8. Pickett fought through several big hits in the AFC North brawl but continued to miss a few throws that could have accounted for chunk plays, due to throwing behind his intended receiver. Although Pickett missed some passes, he still delivered a huge shot to Pickens on the run for a 71-yard touchdown strike which helped Pittsburgh go into the half with the lead.

In the second half of the contest the Steelers offense couldn’t get into a rhythm, limited to only getting a FG the entire second half. With under 5 minutes to play in the game the Steelers defense made a huge stop and forced a punt for the Browns. The Steelers had the ball with the opportunity to run the clock out, but once again the offense could not move the ball, resulting in yet another 3 and out forcing the defense to come back out onto the field and stop the Browns 2-minute offense. Joey Porter Jr. ended up breaking up a pass intended for Donovan Peoples-Jones to seal it.

While the Steelers defense managed to make the stop to win the game, the Steelers inability to execute classic Steeler football and run the ball looks to be a growing theme that could haunt them for weeks to come. Najee Harris tallied only 43 rushing yards on 10 attempts, Jaylen Warren had 20 yards on the ground but was a huge spark in the passing game hauling in 4 balls for 66 yards and a third of the Steelers 9 first downs. 

The Steelers have now won their past 21 straight games at home on MNF after tonight’s victory. The Steelers did suffer a couple injuries, including Fitzpatrick, who left in the second half with a chest injury. Mike Tomlin said he was being evaluated at the hospital after the game. Gunner Olszewski is being evaluated for a concussion, and Elandon Roberts had a stinger, but was able to return to the game.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nick Chubb as he left with a knee injury. 

The Steelers will be on the road next week, on Sunday Night Football as they take on the Las Vegas Raiders.