6 hard truths from the Steelers loss to the Browns

November 22, 2024 Vaseline blog 0

6 hard truths from the Steelers loss to the Browns

CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 21: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts against the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter in the game at Huntington Bank Field on November 21, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

Thursday night was a disaster for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh fell 24-19 to the Cleveland Browns to call it 8-3 on the season and cling to the top spot in the AFC North. This was a horrible effort by the Steelers across the board and here are some hard truths about what happened in Thursday’s loss.

The weather didn’t matter

Nov 21, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; The Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers line up for a play during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

You cannot use the snow as an excuse when both teams played in it. If the team didn’t prepare for the potential of a blizzard, that’s on the team, not the weather. The weather app is a free download.

Russell Wilson is a one-trick pony

Nov 21, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) grabs the jersey of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

This season cannot hinge on whether or not Russell Wilson can keep throwing enough moon balls to make up for his complete lack of pocket presence. He makes the receivers look bad. He made the offensive line look bad and there’s no reason to try and explain it away.

George Pickens isn’t good enough for the nonsense

Nov 21, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) looks back for a penalty call as he misses a catch against the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter at Huntington Bank Field Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Teams can tolerate a lot and will tolerate a lot when it comes to talented wide receivers. But I’m not sure Pickens is good enough or does enough to warrant being OK with his behavior on the field.

Justinf Fields package of one?

Nov 21, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) throws a pass during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

One run aside, the implementation of Justin Fields into the offense was a train wreck. Fields wasn’t loosened up on the sidelines and definitely not in the right frame of mind to come in and contribute. But more than that, Fields needs more in his kit when he’s on the field because the Browns definitely knew what to expect.

Pittsburgh fell straight into the trap game

Nov 21, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) and quarterback Jameis Winston (5) and tight end David Njoku (85) celebrate after Winston scored a touchdown during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Regardless of what any players or coaches say, there’s no doubt from what was on the field Thursday night that the Steelers did not take the Browns seriously enough and that cost them a win.

Maybe slowing down TJ Watt isn’t that hard after all

CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 21: TJ Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter in the game at Huntington Bank Field on November 21, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

In a showdown between two of the best edge guys in the NFL, Myles Garrett came out and dominated TJ Watt. Did Cleveland just have a plan so much better than Pittsburgh’s or maybe their talent on offense is just that much better? Maybe. Or maybe not.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: 6 hard truths from the Steelers loss to the Browns