Browns call on DTR and their defense to beat Steelers and keep on heels of Ravens
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
Four downs on Browns (6-3) v. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3)
First down: DTR 2.0.
Unable to stomach P.J. Walker’s turnovers (six in three games) and hopeful of finding their own Brock Purdy, the Browns’ brain-trust is rolling the dice on rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson keeping the team on path to the playoffs. Whether they can make an extended run at Baltimore for the division title hinges on beating the Steelers, who used two defensive touchdowns to win in Week 2, 26-22. DTR has to be a lot better than he was in a 28-3 defeat to the Ravens in Week 4. His three interceptions were partly the result of an emergency, last-minute starting assignment when quarterback Deshaun Watson opted out two hours before game time. Thompson-Robinson then was demoted to scout team quarterback as Walker had a run of two wins in three games. Watson’s second injury – a season-ending fracture of a shoulder bone – resulted in the brain-trust turning back to DTR. “Rookies need to be put in a room with a guy that knows how to prepare,” coach Kevin Stefanski said. “And I think we’ve been very fortunate with Dorian. He’s in a great room. He sees how those guys prepare. So I think he’s getting better and better.” DTR said he’s “night and day” better prepared for his second act. How he performs very well may dictate whether or not the Browns can win the AFC North title. The Steelers are 24-5 against rookie quarterbacks in Mike Tomlin's 17 years as head coach.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson has had fun preparing for his second NFL start. It's only the biggest game of the intra-division schedule all year. (Cleveland Browns)
Second down: Myles v. T.J.
Myles Garrett had his best career game against Lamar Jackson last week, registering 1.5 sacks and tenaciously chasing the Baltimore quarterback in a 33-31 Browns win. That leaves the Steelers as the last division opponent for Garrett to conquer. The career of Ben Roethlisberger has come and gone without Garrett having a signature game against the Steelers’ future Hall of Famer. Now Kenny Pickett, Big Ben’s successor, has ripped off two wins in a row against the Browns. It isn’t all Garrett’s fault, of course, that Pittsburgh edge rusher T.J. Watt has outplayed him in this rivalry. Watt always has been blessed to have a complementary edge rusher like Alex Highsmith to assist him. The Steelers have logged the head-to-head battle between Watt and Garrett and put their findings on blast. Per their research, Watt and Garrett each have played in 11 games in this rivalry – although they appeared in the same games only nine times. Pittsburgh is 9-1-1 with Watt in the lineup; the Browns are 3-7-1 with Garrett. Pittsburgh is 7-1-1 when both have played in the same game. In Watt’s 11 games, he has 16 sacks, 28 quarterback hits, three takeaways and one touchdown. In Garrett’s 11 games, he has seven sacks, 16 quarterback hits, and three forced fumbles. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said it “comes with the job description of being an elite player” to come up big in the biggest games. “Your big players need to play well. He understands that. He knows that,” Schwartz said of Garrett.
Third down: What does O-line do for an encore?
Down to their fourth and fifth offensive tackles in Baltimore, the Browns’ offensive line held up just well enough for a 33-31 win. The Browns allowed four sacks to the leading sack defense in the NFL and mashed out 178 yards and one touchdown on the ground. Watson had to run for his life, however, and he did suffer a high ankle sprain and a shoulder fracture that ended his season. Watson’s 37 yards on eight keepers were mostly big plays to keep alive drives. Thompson-Robinson will have to use his legs against the Steelers. He’s fortunate to probably get back Dawand Jones at right tackle. Jones missed the Baltimore game with a knee injury but practiced on a limited basis and was listed as questionable. Geron Christian, who made his Browns debut at left tackle in Baltimore, earned his second start, per Stefanski. The Browns will aim to limit Thompson-Robinson’s pass attempts to under 30. If they’re smart, they will attack the middle of the Steelers’ defense where a hole has been created by successive injuries to linebackers Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander. It might be a good idea for the Browns to make tight end David Njoku a frequent first read for Thompson-Robinson and not ask him to repeatedly throw downfield, as he did in his first start.
Fourth down: An offensive offense.
The Steelers have been mired in a 2 ½-year offensive slump, during which they have averaged 18 points a game. They have awakened their running game of late, however. They rushed for 361 yards against Tennessee and Green Bay. That’s the best back-to-back rushing total in Tomlin's tenure. The Steelers have increased the snap total and touches of second back Jaylen Warren and now use him in a one-two tandem with power back Najee Harris. As for Pickett, his best bet is to throw it up for George Pickens and hope for a fantastic catch or a DPI. Receiver Diontae Johnson is Pickett’s most reliable receiver. Pickett should be helped immensely by the expected return of tight end Pat Freiermuth. Overall, the Steelers have been outgained in all nine games and have been outscored by 26 points despite being 6-3. The best thing they do on offense is not give away the ball; their eight giveaways are tied for second-fewest in the NFL.
The pick: Browns 16, Steelers 13.
My record: 5-4.
