Browns vs Steelers on Thursday Night Football: Russell Wilson among 3 visitors who could make things worse for Cleveland

TJ Watt is the stud on the other side for this AFC North matchup

Short week for the Cleveland Browns. Let’s flush last Sunday’s game. Sitting at 2-8, the Browns return home for a Thursday night clash with divisional rival and current first-place leader in the AFC North, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

If I told you before the season that the Steelers were going to be 8-2 at the midway point during the season, you probably would have a hard time believing me. Reminder, Pittsburgh was a playoff team last year.

The reason why the team is outperforming their expectations is because they addressed the quarterback situation (to a degree) and it has benefited them in some ways. Also, head coach Mike Tomlin finds a way to escape a losing record even when the odds are against him.

Offensively, it’s an average unit. It’s not great but considering how bad it was last year, average is a step up.

During the offseason, the team brought in quarterback Justin Fields via trade and Russell Wilson via Free agency. Fields was the starter to start the season but Tomlin made the switch when Wilson was healthy enough and it paid dividends.

In terms of the passing game, it’s better with Wilson under center than it was with Fields. Wide receiver George Pickens is still a problem, tight end Pat Freiermuth is a reliable option as well. In terms of the running game, running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are a reliable 1-2 punch. The offensive line has had their fair share of injuries but rookie center Zach Frazier and guard Mason Mccormick look like gems so far.

Average, but competent unit.

Defensively, what more needs to be said? Pittsburgh has been a top-10 defensive unit for a long time. As far as talent goes, defensive end T.J. Watt will be in the Hall of Fame and so will defensive tackle Cam Heyward. Linebackers Patrick Queen and Elandon Roberts have been stout. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr has emerged as the top cornerback in the room while safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has been reliable since being acquired in a trade with the Miami Dolphins back in 2019.

Stout unit.

Here are my three main players to watch for to impact Thursday Night Football:

QB Russell Wilson

Let’s discuss Mr. Unlimited. As someone who has watched Wilson a lot during his career, during his last season with the Denver Broncos, despite what the numbers say, he wasn’t very good. Head coach Sean Payton got the most out of him but once the offense peaked, so did the quarterback. Wilson was eventually cut and he ended up in Pittsburgh.

So far, he looks like the quarterback similar to what he was in Denver during the 2nd half of last season.

Despite the athleticism being gone, the patented “moon ball” is still there and he looks comfortable in an Arthur Smith offense. Considering how he looked on Sunday, there is a chance that the Browns defense can shut down the passing game. Baltimore’s defense gave more two-high safety looks, preventing Wilson from making those deep shots that he looks for and the passing game struggled for most of the game.

Wilson also struggled in terms of escaping out of sacks as Baltimore was able to get to him. Pressure and take away the deep shots.

LB T.J. Watt

If it’s one player on the defensive line that the Browns offensive line has to contain, it’s Watt. Watt will eventually get his gold jacket in Canton, the stats back it up. As an edge rusher, as far as his skill set goes, it’s not similar to a Myles Garrett or Micah Parsons.

Watt is a technician. He won’t beat you with straight power and speed but his hand-fighting and relentless motor is why teams find numerous ways to contain him. Watt is facing more chip blocks than before, which helps contain him to a degree. Watt has also shown to take a game over when necessary.

The Browns offensive line has had their issues this season but containing Watt is another story. Chip blocks, double teams. If you want to slow down Watt, that’s the only way to do it.

WR George Pickens

If there is anyone that has benefitted from a quarterback change, it’s Pickens. The young receiver has had his moments, whether it’s viral moments for hilarious reasons or positive reasons.

As far as contested catches go, Pickens is pretty good at it. His ability to high point and catch it brings “wow” moments every time he has the ball in his hands. Speed isn’t something he’s known for but his playstyle is what makes him unique.

Cleveland’s secondary has seen better days as of late but Pickens is someone who can cause issues. Jamming him at the line and not letting him get open freely will be key. Look for cornerback Denzel Ward to shadow him the entire game.