Steelers Scouting Report: Cleveland Browns visit Pittsburgh in Week 18

by Christina "Tina" Rivers (3Rivers_Writer) on January 6, 2023

Steel City Underground’s “Steelers Scouting Report” is a preview of each opponent Pittsburgh will face throughout the 2022-23 NFL regular season on a weekly basis, with analysis, injury news, and potential key matchups.

On Sunday, the Cleveland Browns will visit the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium dead last in the AFC North division in the hopes that they can spoil the Steelers’ chances at getting into the 2022-23 NFL postseason. While Pittsburgh has picked up steam in the past four weeks, Cleveland has struggled at times and rumors of possible shakeups following the season have only added to the frustration. Ahead of NFL Week 18, we scout the Browns as the Steelers’ final regular season opponents.

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The Browns offense

One thing Cleveland’s season has been in 2022-23 is erratic and inconsistent. The Browns finally got quarterback Deshaun Watson back from league suspension after Jacoby Brissett led the offense most of the year, but Watson has the team at just 3-2 since taking over. Although he gave the Browns a three-touchdown performance in the second half of last week’s victory over the Washington Commanders, he completed just three-of-eight passes for 23 yards while taking four sacks before halftime.

In four games, Watson has completed just 56.7 percent of his passes with three interceptions. He’s taken 13 sacks. He has thrown for 872 yards as the Browns have moved away from their ground game being the bigger focal point and has an NFL quarterback rating of 78.1.

Watson did get into a rhythm in the second half, throwing as many touchdowns (three) as the offense had in its previous four games. In his first four games with Cleveland, Watson was rusty. He’s still not in an all-the-way-back position, though. And, based on his postgame statements, the quarterback isn’t focused on this season, which brings up questions about how ready he’ll be to see a surging Steelers team, on the road, in Pittsburgh.

#Browns Deshaun Watson is eager to spend extra time working with Amari Cooper and others in the offseason pic.twitter.com/y3qwexh5hm

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) December 29, 2022

The offensive line has struggled to adjust to Watson’s style of play, as have his receivers. “For us to get a second win against (the Steelers) in Pittsburgh would be a big thing for us,” said Browns center Joel Bitonio. “We know it’s going to be a big challenge, but I think we’re up for it.”

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Nick Chubb continues to produce in the Browns’ offense, but he’s not been allowed to gain as many yards per carry. The Cincinnati Bengals and New Orleans Saints limited Chubbb to just 2.43 YPC and 3.83 YPC respectively. Chubb is still finding the end zone and has 12 touchdowns on the season.

Chubb is a guy the Steelers, whose run defense is currently nearly tied with the Patriots at sixth in the NFL, still need to account for, even if Amari Cooper is the biggest threat in the passing game.

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The Browns defense

There is some uncertainty amongst the ranks in Cleveland about the state of the defense and its personnel. Jadeveon Clowney publicly expressed unhappiness with what he sees as a demotion and Myles Garrett wasn’t allowed to start the game against the New Orleans Saints. On top of that, defensive coordinator Joe Woods is allegedly on his way out the door after the Steelers game per several sources.

Clowney recently told Mary Kay Cabot (cleveland.com) that he believes his final game with the Browns will be in Sunday’s final regular season game. “Ninety-five percent sure I won’t be back… I just feel like I need to be around somebody that believes in me and my ability. (It can’t) just be me believing in myself. I believe in myself more than anybody.” Per Clowney, the Browns aren’t utilizing him or putting him in situations for success and have given more favorable matchups to teammate Myles Garrett.

Meanwhile, Garrett – who is ranked fourth in sacks in the NFL with 15.0 on the season – was benched by head coach Kevin Stefanski due to what Garrett said was a “misunderstanding” related to how he communicated while dealing with an illness heading into the game against the Saints. As for preparing for the Steelers Garrett, who has a history against the AFC North rival Steelers, is ready to try to set a franchise record for most sacks in a single season.

“It’s out there if I want it, so I just gotta go get it. Pittsburgh never made it easy for us, so we’re going to have to go out there and earn (a win). We’re going to have to stop the run and pretty much do what we did (in Week 17).” – Myles Garrett

The Browns’ defense is currently ranked 25th per NFL.com in stopping the run and has allowed opponents 2,151 yards on 451 rushes (5.0 yards per carry average) and 20 touchdowns. Stopping the duel threat of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren is a tall task.

Cleveland’s defense is ranked seventh in pass defense, allowing just 196.7 yards per game to opponents. That is, in part, thanks to Grant Delpit and Denzel Ward. Delpit grabbed two interceptions against Carson Wentz of the Commanders on risky deep throws that hung up enough for the Browns safety who has four interceptions on the season. Ward has three interceptions on the season and leads the team in pass defenses with 14 opposite fellow cornerback Martin Emerson (13 pass defenses).

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