Steelers at Browns: Keys to victory in Week 12
The Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2) will be on the road to face the Cleveland Browns (2-8) in Week 12 of the 2024 NFL regular season for Thursday Night Football at Huntington Bank Field on November 21, at 8:15 p.m. EST. While Pittsburgh has surged over the last few weeks, Cleveland has struggled to compete. Still, this rivalry is alive and well in the AFC North, making it a game that can’t be overlooked.
That’s the special thing about this group is you don’t really have to (tell guys not to overlook an opponent)… We all understand.” – T.J. Watt.
We look at the key things that must be addressed if the Steelers hope to escape a short week of prep in order to secure a victory over the Browns.
Offense needs to put points on the scoreboard
The Steelers, with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback, have had back-to-back games that has seen two different sides to their offense. Against the Washington Commanders, things seemed to be clicking while, against the Baltimore Ravens, the offense stalled out short of the end zone.
The Browns defense is ranked near the bottom of the league in nearly 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 rushing yards allowed (131.70). Cleveland has logged 2 interceptions and 28 sacks.
A balanced offense, built off of the run, can get the Steelers back on track offensively this week.
It will require that the offensive line stay feisty and secure gaps. Wilson was heavily pressured in Week 11, and that led to disrupted rhythm in the first half of that game.
Cleveland’s defensive front is formidable, and have made most of the difference-making plays this season. Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith, at the defensive end positions, have cumulatively recorded 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 hit. Once the Browns’ second line of defense is breached, teams have found success against them offensively. The Browns linebackers – especially Owusu Koramoah – have defensed passes this season, so crossing routes will have to be sharp. Getting George Pickens and Mike Williams involved early on the outside will allow Pittsburgh to move the ball down the field and convert critical downs.
“They’re doing a nice job utilizing (Pickens) in a bunch of different ways… he’s obviously a down the field threat, as everybody knows, and he can go down on those 50/50 balls one-on-one. But he can catch quick game, they can run jailbreak screens to him. There’s really a bunch of different things that they’re doing with him.” – Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski
The Steelers can’t sustain their dominance by relying on the leg of placekicker Chris Boswell; they’ve got to get their offense into scoring range and capitalize on mismatches, motion, and wearing the Browns defense down to get into the end zone.
Russell Wilson speaks to the media on Tuesday, Nov. 19 ahead of the Steelers Week 12 game against the Browns. @PondLehocky pic.twitter.com/FknIXL79v2
— Steelers Live (@SteelersLive) November 19, 2024
Defense should exploit Browns weaknesses
The Steelers defense is playing at a high level, and that’s something the Browns are wary, 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 sniffing out weaknesses, and the Browns have many.
The Browns want to get the ball out of their quarterback’s hand faster. Against the Saints, Jameis Winston held on to the ball for an average of 2.76 seconds per passing play and it 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 interior linebackers and corners to be sharper in coverage.
The Browns have utilized seven different rushers in their offense this season, not including quarterbacks. Although the Steelers can’t give up on run defense, they’re not facing the same challenge they did with Derrick Henry in Week 11. They can be fundamentally strong while shifting some focus to preventing quarterback draws and keepers for big gains.
T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, and Mike Williams speak to the media on Tuesday, Nov. 19 ahead of the Steelers Week 12 game against the Browns. @PondLehocky pic.twitter.com/uYFLNHZcRh
— Steelers Live (@SteelersLive) November 19, 2024
Win the turnover battle
The Steelers enter the game with a plus-11 turnover margin and are tied for fourth-most takeaways in the NFL. Although they statistically outmatch Cleveland, Pittsburgh will need to continue to utilize good ball security offensively while looking for opportunities to create turnovers on defense.
