Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Was "Surprised" By How Easily Browns WRs Got Open Against Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team that always wants to be known for their two core identities, both of which usually end up with them always being in any game and eventually wearing down their opponents. Those two identities are the ability to run the football, and the ability to play great defense. Both of those were a bit of a let down when it was needed most recently. 

Against the Cleveland Browns last Thursday night, the Steelers' defense ended up faltering down the stretch. They allowed a 45-yard touchdown drive to a Jameis Winston-led Browns offense, which left the Steelers' offense with just under a minute to try and put together a touchdown drive of their own. 

The Browns converted a key third down on that drive, which was set up by a questionable decision by Head Coach Mike Tomlin on a Browns penalty, by Winston hitting a wide open Jerry Jeudy for a 15-yard gain. The amount of success Winston had through the air at the end of the game was surprising given the weather. However, former legendary quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger mentioned on his podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, that the weather may have given the Browns' wide receivers a huge advantage. 

"Footing is hard for everybody. You know, receivers always have an advantage over defensive backs because they know where they're going, DBs have to react. So you add the element of snow and slipperiness, its even harder for a DB. Receivers are like, I know where I am going, and the DBs have to react, it's just tougher. Not easy to cover, but I was really surprised how open some of they're guys got late in that game."

There aren't many that would disagree with Roethlisberger's comments that it was surprising how easy some of the completions were for the Browns late in the game. During crunch time is when Steeler Nation is used to seeing their star defensive players come up with clutch plays to put the game away, and that didn't happen. 

Blaming the weather for the footing of the Steelers' defensive backs isn't something anyone wants to hear as a reason why some guys were getting open for the Browns, but that may very well have played a role late. George Pickens also mentioned that the weather played into the Browns' hands, but if their wide receivers were able to get open late, he should've had that same advantage. 

Ultimately, regardless of the reason, the Steelers' defensive backs did not play well enough down the stretch to win the game. Both Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson have played very well this season creating one of the better tandems the Steelers have had in quite some time on the perimeter, but had an off day against a divisional opponent in the snow. They'll need to rebound quickly, as the Steelers head to Cincinnati for another divisional game against the Cincinnati Bengals, who are one of the best on offense through the air. 

Steelers' Pass Rush Continues To Struggle, Which Puts The Back End Of The Defense At Risk

A concerning trend has developed that puts the Steelers' defense in a bind. Currently the defense is struggling to get a pass rush on opposing quarterbacks on a consistent basis, and that has been one of the calling cards for several years that now all of a sudden is a big issue. Against the Browns last week, the only sack the team recorded was by Nick Herbig. Whether it be the scheme, play-calling, individual performances, etc., it is clear it needs to change. 

TJ Watt was basically non-existent in the game against the Browns, and that was seen across the league. While no one is blaming his talent or level of play after one bad performance, it begs the question if the pass rush can have success without him playing at an extremely high level every game. Alex Highsmith being out with an injury doesn't help, but Herbig has been one of the best edge players around the league, so his absence should be no excuse. 

What do you think about the Steelers' struggles on defense, both from the secondary and the pass rush? Let us know below!

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