Steelers Triumph Over Browns 23-9: Key Winners and Losers

The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a convincing 23-9 victory over the Cleveland Browns in their recent matchup, showcasing a strong defensive performance. The game took place at Acrisure Stadium, highlighting key players and moments that defined the contest.

Key Winners and Losers from Steelers vs. Browns

Crucial Losses for the Browns

Cleveland’s struggles were evident, particularly in their receiving corps. The team, plagued by dropped passes, logged a total of nine drops, with Jerry Jeudy contributing five of those. These issues were particularly glaring during critical moments in the game.

• Jeudy dropped a crucial pass in the first quarter on third-and-19.
• He also missed a catch on a potentially game-altering play late in the second quarter.

After this game, Cleveland found itself tied for ninth in the NFL for dropped passes with nine, reflecting a concerning trend as they led the league with 49 drops last season.

Impressive Kickers

Amidst the struggles, the kickers emerged as key contributors. Pittsburgh’s Chris Boswell was instrumental, scoring 11 of the team’s 23 points, including a long 50-yard kick. Conversely, Andre Szmyt scored all of Cleveland’s points, indicating the reliance on special teams.

Offensive Line Woes

The Browns suffered further setbacks due to their offensive line’s inability to protect quarterback Dillon Gabriel. He was sacked six times during the game, showcasing a prevalent issue for Cleveland. Gabriel spent only 2.61 seconds in the pocket, which ranked him fourth in quick releases among quarterbacks that week.

Cleveland ended the game with a total of 17 sacks allowed this season, ranking them tenth in the league for the category.

Red Zone Struggles

The Browns faced a significant challenge in the red zone. Late in the game, they found themselves just three yards from a touchdown but opted to pass on every attempt, ultimately resulting in only a field goal. This decision raised questions about their play-calling strategy when a running play might have sufficed.

Notable Defensive Performance

Pittsburgh’s defense effectively nullified star player Myles Garrett. Although Garrett sought to add to his impressive sack count against the Steelers, he was limited to just two tackles and failed to register a sack, which speaks volumes about Pittsburgh’s preparation and strategy.

Quarterback Dynamics

Dillon Gabriel threw for 221 yards with a completion rate of 55.8%. Despite facing intense pressure from Pittsburgh’s defense, he managed to avoid turnovers. However, he dealt with missed opportunities, including dropped passes that could have changed the game’s dynamics.

In summary, the Steelers’ overall execution led to a decisive win against the Browns, who need to address their pressing issues, including dropped passes and offensive line performance, as they prepare for future matchups.