The Steelers a 5-0 for the first time in over 40 years behind a dominant defense.
Throughout their storied history, the Pittsburgh Steelers have prided themselves on having a blue-collar mentality when it comes to their defense. That didn’t change in Week 6 when the red-hot Cleveland Browns came into town at 4-1.
Four sacks by the defense in addition to two interceptions, including a pick-six by Minkah Fitzpatrick in the first quarter, enabled Pittsburgh to down their divisional rival, 38-7, and improve them to 5-0. This is the Steelers’ first 5-0 start since the 1978 season, a year in which they went on to win the Super Bowl.
The Steelers jumped out to a 24-0 lead before Rashard Higgins helped Cleveland avoid the shutout. From then on out, as it was all game, it was all Steelers.
Heading into the game, all the Browns hype was centered around their running game that featured Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb, though the latter didn’t play on Sunday due to injury. Against Pittsburgh, however, Hunt hit the proverbial steel curtain as he ran for only 40 yards on 13 carries.
The Steelers rushing attack, meanwhile, fed off their defense’s intensity as James Conner led the way with 101 yards rushing on 20 carries and one touchdown.
The Steelers need to be recognized as favorites to win the AFC North.
All offseason, there was with the hype around the Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson, combined with both the Browns and Bengals seemingly rejuvenated. Lost in that shuffle were the Pittsburgh Steelers and their defense.
What is unfortunate, however, is the loss of linebacker Devin Bush to a torn ACL. Still, they have enough depth at the linebacker position that should be able to make up for it. On top of that, Fitzpatrick looked like the player that had a first-round pick invested in him. T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree? Both are playing like first-round picks that worked out.
The offense? They look formidable and the balance is key to their perfect start. Sure, there’s a long way to go and no one is saying Pittsburgh will finish the season undefeated. They do, however, need to be taken seriously. Plus, with Mike Tomlin as the coach, the discipline will be there, it’s now just a matter of winning games and hoping to take the next step to No. 7?
As for Baker Mayfield and the Browns, they have a lot of work to do if indeed they wish to use their talent for the postseason. Else, it’s back to square one — a spot the Steelers will almost never revert to.