The Cleveland Browns dominated defensively in a 21-7 win over Pittsburgh Steelers. Besides Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph throwing four interceptions, Browns defensive end Myles Garrett captivated the show.
With one tackle and limited success to reaching Rudolph, why is Garrett the show-stopper?
At the end of the game, Garrett created one of the most harmful things seen in decades. Already up two touchdowns with a minute left, Garrett got into the backfield. When the play ended, he decided to pay Rudolph back after some rivalry trash talk. Garrett snagged Rudolph’s helmet and, without consideration, decided to swing the helmet and landed a hit to Rudolph’s head.
The quarterback who recently came off of a concussion was one of the multiple Steelers who went to the showers early. A shoulder injury to James Conner, a knee issue with Artie Burns, and concussion for Juju Smith-Schuster all came into play on Thursday night.
Despite all the injuries, the Browns’ offense captivated enough to seal the win. Quarterback Baker Mayfield finished with 193 yards and two touchdowns. Plus, Cleveland’s newest backfield option, Kareem Hunt, added to the offense.
58 total yards for Hunt and 92 yards for Nick Chubb allowed the Browns to distribute the ball efficiently.
Odell Beckham, Jr. dominated in the man-to-man game. He racked up 60 yards after beating Steelers defensive backs all night.
The Steelers could not answer as their top receiver, James Washington, finished with 49 yards on three receptions.
Although the Browns and Steelers posted 28 points combined, the offenses were lackluster. They fell under the original over/under of 40.5 and had 13 punts combined.
Overall, the game was a rough and tumble that ended ugly. An AFC North that has dealt with some of the roughest NFL games in the recent era now has to deal with a new addition to the Browns-Steelers rivalry.
