We ask about the Steelers’ quarterback situation, the strength of their defense, and more.
Tonight, the Cleveland Browns take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. To help preview a few topics from the Steelers’ perspective, we reached out to Ryan Parish (see X account here) from Behind the Steel Curtain and exchanged five questions with him.
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Chris: “Justin Fields or Russell Wilson — both quarterbacks have been pretty solid this season, but is there one who fans seemed to be more behind?”
Ryan: “To be fully honest, we kind of wish other fanbases would ask us anything else at this point. Russ was the fan favorite heading into the summer and even for most of Fields’ run as the starter. There were some of us, myself included, who wanted to see Fields keep the starting role for long-term development reasons. Still, there is no arguing that Russ has unlocked the vertical passing game, even if his efficiency numbers aren’t too impressive. He seems best to help them win right now, even if developing Fields might be a better investment for the future. At the end of the day, Steelers fans want whoever can get them the most wins and Pittsburgh’s first playoff win since 2016. Right now that looks to be Russ.”
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Chris: “The Steelers’ defense is not allowing many points this season — we know about T.J. Watt, but is there an area that Pittsburgh has particularly been good at defensively?”
Ryan: “It might sound cliche, but the Steelers’ defense is truly a sum of all 11 guys on the field. Pittsburgh does not blitz a ton, so the fact that they can generate pressure with only four pass rushers is a testament to the depth they have on the defensive line. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, and Preston Smith give the Steelers an awesome edge group that plays the run just as well as they get after the quarterback. Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi and rising star Keanu Benton are a killer frontline, and the Steelers tend to find guys, like Dean Lowry, who can sub in. Minkah Fitzpatrick doesn’t have the splash plays this year, but he’s been locking down the middle of the field. DeShon Elliot plays well in the box and in coverage. The inside linebackers are no longer a glaring weakness, with Elandon Roberts as a specialist against the run, and Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson both being fast and capable in pass coverage. On the outside, Joey Porter Jr. is already a top-10 corner and Donte Jackson has played well as a CB2 in Pittsburgh. It isn’t fancy, but this is the best the Steelers’ defense has been since the 2000s teams.”
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Chris: “Which member(s) of the Steelers’ 2024 draft class are having the biggest impact?”
Ryan: “Easily center Zach Frazier and guard Mason McCormick. Frazier might already be a top-10 center in the league and he and McCormick both bring grit and a mauler’s attitude the offensive line sorely needed. Rookie linebacker Payton Wilson has also improved each week. His highlight interception against the Ravens is hopefully signs of a bright future. And UDFA corner Beanie Bishop has provided solid nickel play. Omar Khan has done very well in his first two drafts as GM.”
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Chris: “Tell us about one player who Browns fans may not have heard of, but who could have an impact on this Thursday’s game.”
Ryan: “Cleveland fans I’ve met are pretty plugged into the happenings of the AFC North, so I’m not sure if there is someone that you haven’t heard of. However, some names I’ll throw out: DeShon Elliott has been a beast for the Steelers as the complimentary safety to Minkah Fitzpatrick. Keanu Benton is the heir apparent to Cam Heyward. Nick Herbig is an athletic freak with a nose for the ball on defense. And for the real sickos out there, Ben Skowronek isn’t going to be in the box score a ton, but watch for number 15 in the running game.”
Chris: “The Browns are early underdogs against the Steelers on Thursday (Browns +4.5 as of this question, per FanDuel Sportsbook). Who would you pick against the spread?”
Ryan: “Short week against a division rival, following an emotional victory over the Ravens? And they’re giving the Steelers 4.5 points on the road? Sportbooks will never understand AFC North. The Browns’ offense with Jameis Winston is not pathetic like they were with that other guy. I expect the Steelers to win, but I don’t expect them to cover. I’d expect something closer to 26-24 for the Steelers.”
Thanks again to Ryan for taking the time to answer my questions.