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Steelers vs. Browns: Keys to Victory in Week 12

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Steelers vs. Browns: Keys to Victory in Week 12

The Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2) will be on their way to face the Cleveland Browns (2-8) in Week 12 of the 2024 NFL regular season on Thursday Night Football at Huntington Bank Field on November 21 at 8 p.m. 15:15 EST. . While Pittsburgh has progressed in recent weeks, Cleveland has struggled to compete. Yet this rivalry is alive and well in the AFC North, making this a matchup not to be overlooked.

That’s the thing about this group, is you don’t really have to (tell the guys not to overlook an opponent)… We all get it. – TJ Watt.

We take a look at the key elements that need to be addressed if the Steelers hope to escape a short week of preparation in order to secure a victory against the Browns.

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The offense must put points on the scoreboard

The Steelers, with Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback, have played back-to-back games that have seen two different sides of their offense. Against the Washington Commanders, things seemed to be heating up while, against the Baltimore Ravens, the offense stalled short of the end zone.

The Browns defense is ranked near the bottom of the league in almost every statistical category. Heading into Week 12, they are 19th in yards allowed per game (342.70), 24th in points allowed (24.8), 16th in passing yards allowed (211) and 24th in passing yards allowed (211). rushing yards allowed (131.70). Cleveland recorded 2 interceptions and 28 sacks.

A balanced attack, built off the run, can get the Steelers back on track offensively this week.

The offensive line will have to remain courageous and secure the gaps. Wilson was under heavy pressure in Week 11, which disrupted the rhythm in the first half of this game.

Cleveland’s defensive front is formidable and has made most of the difference-making plays this season. Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith, at the defensive positions, recorded a combined 12.0 sacks. The Browns elevated Sam Kamara (DT) and Elerson Smith (DE) to the active roster from the practice squad after moving Mike Hall Jr. (DT) to injured/reserve this week.

Run-pass option plays should help create targets in the open field for Wilson to reach. Once the Browns’ second line of defense was broken through, teams had success against them offensively. The Browns linebackers – particularly Owusu Koramoah – have defended passes this season, so crossing routes will need to be precise. Involving George Pickens and Mike Williams early on the outside will allow Pittsburgh to move the ball down the field and convert critical downs.

“They do a good job using (Pickens) in different ways…he’s obviously a threat on the floor, as everyone knows, and he can fall on those 50/50 balls one-on-one. But he can catch a quick game, they can throw jailbreak screens at him. There’s definitely a bunch of different things they do with him. – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski

The Steelers can’t maintain their dominance by relying on kicker Chris Boswell’s leg; they must bring their offense into scoring range and capitalize on the mismatches, movement and exhaustion of the Browns defense to get into the end zone.

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Defense should exploit Brown’s weaknesses

The Steelers defense is playing at a high level, and that’s something the Browns are wary of and aware of. Cleveland’s offense is ranked 20th in passing yards (202.8), 29th in rushing yards (88.5), 27th in total offensive yards (291.3), 31st in points scored (16.2) per game. Pittsburgh has a way of spotting weaknesses, and the Browns have plenty of them.

The Browns want to get the ball out of their quarterback’s hands faster. Against the Saints, Jameis Winston held the ball for an average of 2.76 seconds per pass, which led to 395 passing yards and a 106.7 passer rating. Pressure from Watt, Nick Herbig, Cameron Heyward and the Steelers defensive line can disrupt that, but it will require the Steelers inside linebackers and corners to be more accurate in their coverage.

The Browns have used seven different rushers in their offense this season, not counting quarterbacks. While the Steelers can’t abandon the run defense, they don’t face the same challenge they did with Derrick Henry in Week 11. They can be fundamentally strong while focusing on preventing quarterback ties and keepers for big wins.

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Win the turnover battle

The Steelers enter the game with a plus-11 turnover margin and are tied for fourth in takeaways in the NFL. Although they outperform Cleveland statistically, Pittsburgh will need to continue to utilize good ball security offensively while looking for opportunities to create turnovers on defense.

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