Man, talk about a turnaround! The Cleveland Browns, sitting at a surprising 2-1, are gearing up to host the Pittsburgh Steelers, also 2-1, in a massive AFC North showdown on Thursday Night Football. What’s wild is how Cleveland’s defense, after looking totally lost in Week 1, has completely flipped the script without their former star, Myles Garrett.
The Cleveland Defense Got Its Groove Back
Seriously, remember Week 1 against the Jaguars? It was a disaster, a total mess. Mistakes all over the place, no pressure on the quarterback to be found, and it looked like they just forgot how to play man coverage, opting for zone almost exclusively. Everyone, including their own fans, was thinking, “Oh boy, we’re cooked without Myles Garrett.” Fast forward two weeks, and it’s a completely different story. This coaching staff is dialing up way more creative blitzes than the old regime, and they’re generating enough pressure that fans aren’t even asking “Where’s Myles?” anymore. It’s not a one-man show now, which is kinda awesome. Every single dude on that defensive line seems to be taking his turn getting after the quarterback. Jared Verse, for example, is doing the dirty work, playing that selfless role of drawing extra attention to free up other guys. And let’s not even get started on Mason Graham. The No. 5 overall pick from last year, in just his second season, has taken a HUGE leap. He’s dominant against the run, sure, but he’s also rushing the passer like a monster, racking up a sack in all three games for a total of four already! That’s just wild.
The Garrett Trade Is Looking Smart (Don’t Tell Anyone)
Now, about that Garrett trade. Look, the guy was good, no doubt. But after all those years, it’s fair for him to want a shot at a winning opportunity elsewhere. And what the Browns got in return? Stellar. They snagged another top-tier pass-rusher, a first-round pick in 2027, plus other draft assets. That’s some serious leverage to move up and grab their quarterback of the future if they need to. Honestly, right now, it’s probably not even on their minds because the defense is playing so well. And let’s be real, seeing that Garrett’s got knee issues makes that trade look a little easier to swallow in hindsight, right?
From “Season Over” to 2-1 and a Competent QB?
After that Week 1 stinker, everyone was ready to write off Cleveland’s season. But here they are at 2-1. Was the turnaround expected? For the defense, yeah, kinda. What’s super important to remember, though, is that both their wins came against teams from what was a pretty sad NFC South last year, so maybe temper the hype a little bit. But the real shocker, the thing that has everyone doing a double-take, is Deshaun Watson. For the first time ever in a Browns uniform, the dude actually looks competent. Yeah, you read that right: competent.
This Thursday night game against the Steelers isn’t just another matchup, it’s an early statement game for both teams in the AFC North. Can Cleveland’s revamped defense keep up the pressure? And will Watson finally prove he’s more than just “competent”? You know I’ll be glued to the screen to find out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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