What really happened in Cleveland.
Three hundred and seventy three days ago the Pittsburgh Steelers played a football game in Cleveland. The Pittsburgh Steelers lost that game 13-10. By all accounts, the Steelers deserved to lose that game. The Browns gained 8 more first downs, ran 16 more plays, outgained in offensive yardage, had fewer penalties, and won the time of possession. Anyone who watched that game saw a Steelers team that was struggling to move the ball, score the ball, and stay on the field. The Browns won that game and the Pittsburgh’s struggles at the time contributed to the outcome. Five days ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers played a football game in Cleveland. The Pittsburgh Steelers lost that game 24-19; however, the Steelers should have won that game. The Steelers had 17 first downs (same as Cleveland), were 7/16 on 3rd down compared to Cleveland’s 1/10, outgained the Browns offensively and generated 368 yards of offense, had fewer penalties, turned the Browns over three times in the second half, won the turnover battle 3-1, and dominated time of possession (35:02-24:58). The Steelers were the better team and played better for most of the game; however, they lost in the end. How did that happen? In my (unimportant and humble) opinion, it happened for three reasons:
The weather. This game was played in very windy conditions throughout, and an absolute white out blizzard for nearly three quarters. This element (no pun intended) provided the Browns with just enough of a neutralizing factor to keep this close and have the advantage during the worst of the storm. The snow led to specific plays that favored the Browns in the outcome of the game. I am in no way making an excuse because the Browns did indeed have to play in this weather too; however, during crucial drives the Steelers had to go into the wind and face the height of the storm. I personally think this also led to a few missed pass interference calls that might have been more easily seen and called had the weather not impaired vision. I will gladly admit that the weather did not contribute if the Browns beat the Steelers at Acrisure in week 14 and without snow.
The Steelers miscues on 4th downs and short yardage. In the first half, the Steelers, uncharacteristically missed a FG, couldn’t gain a yard on two, 4th-1 scenarios. These were crucial points in the game that literally took points off the board. I firmly believe that with as difficult as it is to win games in the NFL, most games come down to a few significant plays that are either made or missed. These short distance possession downs played a huge part in the outcome of this game. Good teams convert these opportunities. Great teams don’t even worry about them.
The Steelers were on the cusp of an amazing comeback, and then simply lost the urgency. Was this the eventual result of having to play two AFC North teams in 5 days? Were the Steelers and coaches simply “gassed” after the Donte Jackson interception in the fourth quarter? It appears that way. The Steelers failed on the next drive to gain a first down, kick a decent punt, or get a stop on numerous possession downs after that pick. When the Steelers made the interception, they simply did not show the sense of urgency to pick up the first downs needed to end the game. This is opposite of what they have done all season. Then, when they did get the ball back with nearly a minute left and a timeout, the final drive effort to get in legitimate scoring position was lackluster. Was this fatigue? Was this the weather? Was this what the Steelers have shown us all season? I would answer affirmative to the first two questions and “no” to the latter.
The three reasons above are not systemic problems. They are not usual occurrences. They are not the identity of this 2024 team. These type of mistakes and disadvantages would have doomed last year’s team. I think these are simply blips this season. I have a ton of confidence that this Steeler team will bounce back and none of these above miscues will be the norm. Chris Boswell will not miss FGs in every game down the stretch. The Steelers will start converting on the short yardage plays. The Steelers will realize the urgency and come back hungry and mad. Despite the collective consciousness of the fan base and media this week is “doom and gloom.” I am not panicking or worrying the way I was a year ago after the Cleveland loss. Neither should you.