Browns analyst exposes how the Steelers can avoid falling into a trap against Cleveland on Thursday
If you looked up the definition of "trap game" in the NFL dictionary, it would likely have a picture of this Thursday's matchup between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers. A rivalry that will have a little extra to it following Myles Garrett's raw comments on T.J. Watt, it will be another AFC North contest […]
If you looked up the definition of "trap game" in the NFL dictionary, it would likely have a picture of this Thursday's matchup between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers.
A rivalry that will have a little extra to it following Myles Garrett's raw comments on T.J. Watt, it will be another AFC North contest at its finest.
But if Pittsburgh is to avoid the trap and remain a wagon in the AFC North, their path to victory is clear:
Q – Jameis Winston and the Steelers' defense mix like oil and water. Cleveland’s offense has been more explosive since he’s taken over, but the turnover rate is always going to rise with him at QB. How do the Browns manage to hold onto the ball against a defense that shines at taking it away?
A – Cleveland just hasn’t been able to get the ball rolling with their running game and that is something that needs to happen if they want to have success. When it turns into a drop back game for Winston and he is throwing the ball 40-plus times, he is bound to turn it over a time or two. So far with Cleveland, Winston has had two good games and a bad game. After a good showing against New Orleans, it wouldn’t shock anyone if the Steelers force a couple of turnovers. First and foremost the Browns have to keep this game close and not allow it to turn into a passing-only offense.
– Brandon Little, A to Z Sports Cleveland
Q – Mike Tomlin spent over a minute complimenting Browns TE David Njoku on Monday. The Steelers have been much better at handling TEs this season, but Njoku is the best athlete they have seen at the position. Could he be a feature on Thursday night as the Steelers look to slow Jerry Jeudy coming off his big game?
A – Njoku has at least five catches in his last five games and is someone that the Browns look to feed often because they like his ability in the open field. Njoku had nine catches and 81 yards against the Saints, which was his best game of the season. Like last year with Joe Flacco, Njoku is really benefiting from Jameis Winston airing the ball out a bunch. If the ball is not going to Jeudy, Winston is often looking Njoku’s way.
– Little
Q – The Steelers haven’t won a game in Cleveland since 2021. Add in the fact that it’s a divisional game on a short week and things could get weird. What’s your final prediction and score for Thursday night?
A – The Browns have taken away any sense of belief that fans or anyone that covers the team could have in them. Cleveland has dropped games against far less talented teams this season and nothing has surprised with them. I think the Steelers keep on winning and the Browns keep their losing ways going. Give me the Steelers by a score of 27-20.
– Little
