Cleveland is gearing up to host Pittsburgh this Sunday in a Week 4 clash, and with both teams sitting at a 2-1 record, this isn’t just another game. The buzz is real, with national media starting to lean heavily into the Browns’ corner. After the momentum they’ve built, it feels like people are finally giving Cleveland their due.
The Black Hole of Northern Ohio for the Steelers?
Look, the recent history of the Steelers rolling into Cleveland is absolutely brutal. NFL.com’s Dan straight up calls it “the stuff of nightmares” for Pittsburgh, and honestly, you can’t argue with it. The Browns have somehow strung together four straight home wins against their rivals. Four! That’s not a fluke, that’s a trend. And now, the Steelers are rolling out a 42-year-old quarterback to start on just three days’ rest. Seriously, who wants to play two NFL games in five days, especially when you’re 42? John Breech from CBS Sports is calling it an upset special for a reason. Pete Prisco, also from CBS, agrees, picking the Browns to win 21-20.
It’s not just the age or the short rest, it’s the pattern. Cleveland has been a “black hole” for the Steelers, almost like they forget how to play football once they cross into Northern Ohio. That’s gotta be messing with their heads.
Offense Stutters, Defense Shines: A Grind-It-Out Matchup
While the Steelers are coming off a 30-point explosion against the Bengals, Dan from NFL.com isn’t convinced they’re a “finely-tuned offensive machine.” He’s right, they were held to a measly three points just two weeks ago! On the flip side, the Browns’ offense isn’t exactly lighting it up either. They’re bottom-five in too many categories, including total yards, third-down conversion rate, and red zone touchdown percentage. Deshaun Watson threw some “poor throws” last week, and their offensive line is looking vulnerable with injuries inside. So, yeah, if you’re expecting a shootout, you might wanna look elsewhere. Vinnie Iyer from Sporting News is even predicting a low-scoring 20-17 Steelers win, saying the goal for Pittsburgh is to make Cleveland one-dimensional and tee off on the pass rush.
But here’s where it gets spicy: defense. The Browns’ defense has been absolutely red-hot, led by their “second-year breakout” defensive tackle Mason Graham, who already has 4.0 sacks. T.J. Watt for Pittsburgh is no slouch either with 3.5 sacks, but the Steelers’ defense as a whole has “struggled.” If Graham and that Browns D-line can keep the Steelers’ offense uncomfortable, especially their 42-year-old quarterback, this game could totally swing Cleveland’s way. Bill Bender of Sporting News thinks it’ll be tight, predicting a 21-16 Steelers victory, highlighting the defensive tackle battle.
This isn’t just about a win or a loss, it’s about early season positioning in a tight AFC North. With both teams at 2-1, this Thursday Night Football showdown is huge for setting the tone. Can the Browns extend their home dominance and really cement their early season surprise status? Or will the Steelers break the Cleveland curse and prove they’re a legitimate contender? We’ll find out when the final whistle blows.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply