In a surprising twist, the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) fell to the Cleveland Browns (4-12) with a score of 13-6. This loss was especially shocking since the Steelers needed a win to stay competitive in the AFC North.
The game started poorly for Pittsburgh, trailing 10-0 after the first quarter. Despite the Browns’ struggle to win, the Steelers didn’t capitalize on this opportunity. Mark Madden from TribLive believes they underestimated the game. “They took winning for granted,” he said on his podcast. “They came out flat, treating this as an easy win.” After the game, Browns’ star Myles Garrett hinted that the Steelers were more concerned about his sack record than the game itself.
Historically, the Steelers have struggled in Cleveland, with only one win in their last eight attempts there. This trend raises questions about their focus and mental preparedness. An interesting statistic sheds light on this: the Steelers are 0-4-1 in their last five games against teams with a record below .500. This ties the NFL’s longest such streak. Madden noted, “These types of losses are nothing new in the Tomlin era.”
The Steelers now face a crucial match against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. A win or a tie will secure their playoff spot, while a loss means the Ravens clinch the division. The Ravens bounced back impressively, defeating the Packers 41-24, reinvigorating their season. Madden warns, “A rejuvenated Ravens team is coming to Pittsburgh, and they won’t be easy to handle.”
This upcoming game is pivotal. If the Steelers lose, it could lead to significant changes, and some believe head coach Mike Tomlin’s job could be on the line. Madden stated, “If they lose at home to Baltimore, Tomlin should be fired immediately.” Yet, he humorously cautions that Tomlin might instead rush to sign an extension with the team.
As fans gear up for this critical matchup, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Steelers. Whether they rise to the occasion or falter remains to be seen, but the pressure is certainly on.
