The Steelers had set themselves up with a golden opportunity to clinch the AFC North with a week to spare in the regular season. A week that could have served as some much-needed rest for a team that has played 12 straight games, dating back to their week 5 bye.
The team squandered that opportunity as it posted only 6 points in a loss to the now 4-12 Cleveland Browns. The defense submitted an early 10-0 lead, but settled in to allow just 13 total points in the contest. The offense, coming off a crisp performance last week against the Lions, was anything but in the win-and-in situation – and the problems went much deeper than missing WR1, D.K. Metcalf.
As unsatisfying as the 13-6 score is for the Steelers, many more gaudy numbers tell the tale of this late-season AFC North matchup.
Third Down Failures
The offense mustered only 6 points after averaging 28 points per game during the three-game win streak. The Steelers entered week 17 converting 40.2% of their third-down conversions, 13th best in the NFL. Sunday, they converted 20%. Failure to sustain drives resulted in 5 punts, 3 (failed) 4th down attempts, and 3 field goal attempts (one missed).
Turnovers
Mike Tomlin‘s brand of football is to win ugly. There are no “style points”, especially in the AFC North. Typically, if the Steelers win the turnover battle, they win the game.
The Steelers forced two turnovers against the Browns and committed none. The offense’s ineptitude nullified the defense’s work, turning in no points on either ensuing possession.
Y/A vs YPC
| Passing | Completions | Attempts | % | Yards | Y/A |
| Aaron Rodgers | 21 | 39 | 53.6 | 168 | 4.3 |
| Rushing | Attempts | Yards | Average | TD | Long |
| J. Warren | 12 | 65 | 5.3 | 0 | 15 |
| K. Gainwell | 7 | 26 | 3.7 | 0 | 15 |
| C. Heyward | 2 | 26 | 13.0 | 0 | 29 |
| J. Smith | 2 | 9 | 4.5 | 0 | 7 |
| A. Rodgers | 1 | 6 | 6.0 | 0 | 6 |
| Totals | 24 | 131 | 5.5 | 0 | 29 |
Last week, the Steelers ran for a season high of 230 yards. Every player given the opportunity to carry the ball had success, much like Sunday against the Browns.
The game set up perfectly for the offense to continue its success on the ground.
- The Browns entered the game with the #1 pass defense
- Myles Garrett was famously chasing the all-time record for sacks in a season
- Wide receivers D.K. Metcalf and Calvin Austin both out for the game
- Rainy and wet conditions
Yet, despite a late-season AFC North matchup, and a one-score deficit for most of the game, the Steelers elected to call 39 pass plays to 24 runs.
Much like last week, everyone who carried the football found success. Warren and Gainwell repeatedly gained positive yardage, setting up favorable down and distance. Yet still, the ineffective pass game dominated the play calling.
Aaron Rodgers threw 39 passes, completing 21 of them for 168 yards – 4.3 yards per attempt, while the run game was rolling. The bevy of ballcarriers averaged 5.5 yards per carry, dominating the Browns’ stout defense on the ground.
It’s easy to point the finger at Arthur Smith, but Rodgers has a lot of control over the offense and the ability to change any play. Any blame that lands at Smith’s feet should also touch the toes of Rodgers.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling
| Receiving | Targets | Receptions | Yards | Average | TDs |
| M. Valdes-Scantling | 9 | 3 | 21 | 7.0 | 0 |
A major theme of the Steelers’ offseason, for two offseasons running, has been in the vacant spot at WR2. The question was never about targets for a WR2 – it was who would replace D.K. Metcalf (or George Pickens) if he were to get hurt?
Well, Metcalf did not get hurt, but he also did not play in this game. After there was no action at the trade deadline, the Steelers signed Marques Valdes-Scantling – Rodgers’ former teammate. His role has been limited at best until this week.
Although they found no success, Rodgers continued to feed Valdes-Scantling, including three straight targets as time expired with the game on the line. Clearly, MVS is not the answer, even if Rodgers tried to force the issue, missing open receivers in the process.
