Pittsburgh Steelers: Studs and duds vs. Browns in Week 11
By Samuel Teets
Stud: T.J. Watt, LB
Despite heading to the sideline early in the game, Watt returned for Pittsburgh. He recorded two quarterback hits and the team’s only sack. Watt has 10.5 sacks in ten games this season along with 24 quarterback hits.
In a year where traditional pass-rushing stars, like Khalil Mack, Von Miller, and J.J. Watt, are dealing with injuries and inconsistency, the younger Watt has shined. He’s third in the league in sacks and could compete for an All-Pro selection this year.
Dud: First half pass coverage
Pittsburgh’s secondary clamped down during the second half, and Baker Mayfield was held to 193 passing yards on the night. On average, the Steelers have given up more than 200 passing yards per game this season. While Pittsburgh beat their average, the Browns did too much damage through the air in the first half.
Less than five minutes into the game, Odell Beckham burned Steve Nelson for a long play that resulted in a one-yard quarterback plunge for a touchdown. That sequence of events put the Steelers in a hole early and set the tone for the rest of the night.
Less than two minutes into the second quarter, Mike Hilton was burned by Khadarel Hodge for 41 yards. On the same drive, Jarvis Landry got wide open for a reception that brought the ball inside Pittsburgh’s 10-yard line.
Joe Haden was then called for pass interference in the end zone on Hodge. Cleveland got a first down and hit Landry for a wide-open touchdown. There wasn’t a Steeler within 10 yards of the former Pro Bowl receiver.