The Cleveland Browns and their fans came into this game with high hopes. With their best record through five games since 1994. However, a great performance by the Steelers defense led Pittsburgh to easily beat the Browns. Pittsburgh showed Cleveland and the rest of the NFL their defense is the reason for them being undefeated and at the top of the AFC North. Pittsburgh handed Cleveland their second loss of the season in dominant fashion, winning 38-7.
The Pittsburgh Steelers just flat out embarrassed the Cleveland Browns. The Steelers defense came out hot picking off Brown’s quarterback Baker Mayfield for a touchdown on Cleveland’s first possession of the game. The Steelers defense did not let up from there and was dominant all game long. The Browns offensive line had its worst performance of the season. Allowing four sacks to the Pittsburgh defense. Resulting in Mayfield, who came into the game with a rib injury. To take multiple big hits that left Mayfield visibly hurt. Case Keenum came in to replace Mayfield late in the third quarter with the game out of hand.
Cleveland’s defense was able to start the game out strong. Yet with Cleveland’s offensive struggles, their defense was out on the field for the majority of the game. Leading to fatigue, which resulted in the defense struggling with miss tackles and giving up over 125 yards rushing. The Browns defense ended up allowing thirty-one points. A bright note for Cleveland was Myles Garrett extending his sack streak to five games. Which ties the longest streak since sacks became an official NFL stat in 1982.
For most NFL teams, losing by thirty-one points would give them reason to panic. However, the Cleveland Browns still have a record of (4-2). Cleveland also came into this game with a multitude of injuries. Especially on the offensive side. With their number one running back Nick Chubb and starting right guard Wyatt Teller. Cleveland was unable to get the run game going. Odell Beckham was not with the team for two days with an illness and Jarvis Landry was limited with a rib and hip injury. Baker Mayfield also has a rib injury and his performance was clearly affected. The Browns will not be able to compete at a high level with this many injuries. Cleveland needs to get healthy in order for them to get back on track and get into the playoffs.
The Cleveland Browns were able to bounce back from a 38-6 week 1 loss against the Baltimore Ravens. Now the Browns will be looking to bounce back again from a big loss. The now (4-2) Cleveland Browns will be facing another AFC North opponent, the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The Browns defeated the Bengals 35-30 at home on a Thursday night in week 2. This time they will be traveling to Cincinnati, to take on the (1-4-1) Cincinnati Bengals.
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