The Browns will need players who elevate their game to beat the division leaders
The Cleveland Browns will take the field against the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football. It’s a quick turnaround after dropping to 2-8 with their loss against the Saints in Week 11.
They will be shorthanded on the offensive line once again after losing Dawand Jones to a fractured fibula and Jed Wills being ruled out with his ongoing knee injury. The elements are also likely going to be a factor with cold temperatures and snow in the forecast.
The games with the Steelers are always physical, and the Browns will have to match that effort despite the lack of intensity they’ve shown recently. The Browns have faired well at home against the Steelers in recent years, including last season’s 13-10 win.
Pittsburgh will want to keep command of the division by winning, and if the Browns want to play spoiler, they could use a hero or two to show up in the game. Myles Garrett and Nick Chubb are two players who need to step up for Cleveland.
While neither are one hundred percent from a health standpoint, they are still the heart and soul of the team. Chubb will be facing the Steelers for the first time since the horrific injury that he suffered last year in Week 2.
He turned in his best performance of the season in last week’s loss to the Saints and averaged 4.5 yards a carry. He was on a bit of a pitch count as the team managed his load in consideration of the short turnaround for tonight’s game.
He will have extra time to recover after this one, and the Browns may try to rely on him to get the win. It won’t come easy as the Steelers are stout again up front on the defensive line led by T.J. Watt and company.
Speaking of Watt, Garrett made some headlines this week when asked about the Steelers’ star defender’s reaction to his winning the Defensive Player of the Year award last year. He said, “I’ve never complained about the trophy not being in my house, and you know, vice-versa, he shouldn’t feel two ways about it going to me.”
For someone who is regarded as thoughtful in his media sessions, it seems that Garrett may be utilizing the slight from Watt to provide him and his teammates fuel for what will be a cold night in Cleveland. Garrett having a multi-sack performance against Russel Wilson could help seal a much-needed win for the Browns against their biggest rival.
Do you think Chubb and Garrett can lead the Browns to a win on Thursday night? Let us know in the comments below.