The 5: Things to watch for in Steelers, Browns rematch
Every week, ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ games, Steel City Underground analyzes the depth chart, injury reports, and key matchups against their upcoming opponent in order to point out “The 5” – Steelers to watch.
Week 18 of the 2022 NFL regular season is upon us and the Pittsburgh Steelers enter a rematch with the Cleveland Browns that will play a major factor on whether they’ll enter the playoffs. We deviate from five specific Steelers players to watch to offer key areas of the Steelers’ game that fans should focus on during the game.
The offensive line play
Pittsburgh was focused on reestablishing a run game this season, a big part of former successful Steelers teams. Things didn’t go as initially planned this season, but the offensive line progressively improved with coaching and experience. Last week, following the win over the Baltimore Ravens, the line received accolades.
“We knew if we controlled the line, we’ll be able to win the game… This game we were able to do that. So, obviously that helped us with the outcome.” –Najee Harris
Center Mason Cole received “The Chief” Award this week for his cooperation with the media in being an exemplary representation of the team. Since signing with the team as an unrestricted free agent, Cole also embraced his role as a leader and anchor for the entire offensive line. “These guys don’t need to be fired up. They understand how important this game is, how hard it is,” Cole said. “I think, especially at the center position, it’s important for (me) to be the soul and heartbeat of that line.”
Cole didn’t take all the credit for the line’s improved status in run-blocking or pass-protection, though.
“We have a lot of leaders on the line. James (Daniel) does a great job. Chuks (Chukwuma Okorafor) does a great job. There is not a lot that needs to be said because these guys are professionals. Anything I can do to help these guys and be an example I try to do.” – Mason Cole
Najee on the win ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/1n9fatfYFR
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 2, 2023
As for being prepared to give Harris, Jaylen Warren, or whoever handles the ball out of the offensive backfield, Kevin Dotson expressed confidence. “We know we’re a running team. We know what we want to do… When (coaches) give us the opportunity [to run block], we’re going to take it every time ”
If the Steelers’ line can play clean and as well as they have the past two weeks, Pittsburgh will have the run power and pass ability to keep orchestrating drives that chew up clock and put points on the scoreboard.
The pass rush
There were early concerns when T.J. Watt was injured that the Steelers would produce no threat to opposing quarterbacks when they dropped back to pass. Instead, Alex Highsmith stepped up his individual efforts. Highsmith enters Week 18 with 12.0 sacks, 55 total tackles, ten tackles for a loss, and 17 quarterback hits.
The Steelers may not be setting major NFL records, but – as a defense – they’ve been able to record 33.0 sacks and 73 quarterback hits. Since returning, Watt has 5.0 sacks and 11 quarterback hits in nine games.
Since Deshaun Watson took over at quarterback for the Browns in Week 13, Cleveland’s offense has not been impressive. Last week, against the Washington Commanders, Watson completed just 3-of-8 passes for 23 yards, took four sacks, and attempted the following play: an incomplete pass to his right tackle that went all so wrong.
https://twitter.com/iam_johnw/status/1609623448841592837?t=EOPfSEnniQQOJRTBuYNY5A&s=19
Although Watson was able to get three touchdown drives put together that gave the Browns the win, the embattled quarterback ranked last in the league in his first four games with Cleveland in executed points per dropback; his weekly QBR over 32 (on a scale of zero to 100) once (against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 14).
Watch for the Steelers to turn up the heat on the Browns offensive line, often and early, in order to shut down Watson’s ability to set the tone.
Kenny “Clutch”
There are still Steelers fans that aren’t convinced Kenny Pickett is the quarterback to lead the franchise. With just one game remaining in the regular season, it’s unlikely anyone can be suddenly convinced – unless the kid gets Pittsburgh the “W” and the team makes it to the playoffs.
“I severely, in my opinion, underestimated Kenny. He throws the ball better than I thought. He runs way better than I thought … keep doing what you are doing.” – Ben Roethlisberger (Footbahlin podcast / Channel Seven) regarding Pickett
The last two weeks, Pickett has put together some beautiful drives by utilizing the run and pass game. When both games were on the line, he made veteran decisions and moves that earned comeback wins. That makes the rookie dangerous… and one guy that everyone’s eyes should be on against Cleveland.
Special teams play
The Steelers could use a boost from their special teams this week. Granted, kicker Chris Boswell had an injury, but this team needs the “Wizard” back. Pittsburgh can’t afford to leave any potential points on the field, not when a win gets them the closest to the playoffs as they can… well, control.
Saying that, Pressley Harvin needs to be on-point with his punts and the coverage and return teams need to win the field position battle.
Focus, focus, focus
The mantra this week has been singular. Despite the emotions individuals and the team have surrounding the tragic injury to former University of Pittsburgh and current Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin, all eyes are focused on the Cleveland Browns.
“For us to make it to the playoffs, it doesn’t matter if we don’t win our game. I don’t really need to look around. We need to be locked in on this game because the Cleveland Browns are going to come in here and try and beat us.” – Cameron Heyward
The recovery from a 2-6 start to a season where the Steelers are now 8-8 and heading into their final regular season game took a lot of digging – from individuals and as a collective – week after week. From the coaching staff to the training staff, this season’s Steelers team has pulled themselves up and into contention.
“Coach T (Mike Tomlin) prepares us, our coaches do a heck of a job getting us ready and then the players all buy in,” Heyward admitted this week. He added that the team’s success has been the result of him and his teammates staying “locked in,” and focused on what is ahead of them.
It will take a full team buy-in in Week 18 to stay in the moment and not allow themselves to be distracted by what the Miami Dolphins or New England Patriots are doing. Yes, those two teams play a big part in whether Pittsburgh gets into the playoffs, but first, the Steelers have to win.
