All over the NFL, quarterbacks are dropping like flies and the spectacle is eating them up. The Browns provided proof of this with their narrow win against the Steelers, in a matchup in which they had to fight to lead the attack with an inexperienced quarterback.
Importantly, they left the field in Cleveland with a valuable win under their belt, in a division where every piece of ground is hard-won.
For the second time in two weeks, it was a game-winning field goal by Dustin Hopkins in the final five seconds that secured the 13-10 victory.
This result will once again underline the Browns’ outstanding defense, which has done a tremendous job since the beginning of the season.
However, when attacking, it was better to close your eyes more often than not. The Browns were forced to punt eight times, while the Steelers punted nine times. When the punt becomes so central, there is a problem.
A second departure
The one we called “DTR” smiled slightly after the win. Getty Images via AFP
Rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson got the start when the Browns learned Wednesday that Deshaun Watson’s season was over.
The fifth-round pick performed better than in his first start this season, when he fell victim to three interceptions, but it wasn’t easy against the Steelers either (24 for 43, 165 yards, no touchdown passes and one interception).
His anemic average of 3.8 yards per pass attempt shows how much the Browns played horizontally without the slightest hit. His longest pass was 15 yards.
It’s a look at how bad football plays offensively when good quarterbacks are eliminated. Other clubs like the Bengals will never say this, but they must be desperate to move from Joe Burrow to Jake Browning.
It’s long been proven on the Jets that life with Zach Wilson is miserable, even if the defense makes it possible to win a few games.
We’ll give it to young Thompson-Robinson, but he still finished the game in style, completing four passes in a row in the Browns’ ultimate offensive burst with just 1 minute, 18 seconds left to play.
He showed courage, but the fact remains that points could become a rare commodity for the Browns at the end of the season.
Hats off, defense!
Kenny Pickett was in trouble with Myles Garrett all day. Getty Images via AFP
There is no reason to worry on the defensive level. The Browns were pleased with themselves by limiting the Steelers to 12 first downs and 77 net passing yards.
Brilliant defensive end Myles Garrett single-handedly made up for some of the show by adding two quarterback sacks to his record. No defensive player on the circuit is more dominant than him right now.
The Browns had nine tackles for loss and the Steelers were under constant pressure. Only a long 74-yard run from Jaylen Warren, their only productive weapon on offense, hurt the Browns.
This is the Steelers’ first loss this season, as the deficit is only one possession.
The Conference North Division race is far from over as the Ravens (8-3), Browns (7-3), Steelers (6-4) and Bengals (5-5) are all playing for at least .500.
However, due to the injuries to Watson and Burrow, the Ravens are the only ones in the league who can boast of having a credible quarterback in Lamar Jackson.
The Pivots may not be everything, but it will be extremely difficult for their division rivals to stand up to them.