The Pittsburgh Steelers lost in heartbreaking fashion to the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football in Week 4 as the team fell to 2-2 on the year. This was a pivotal game in the AFC North as all teams entered the week with a record of 2-1, and the winner of this matchup was going to be atop the AFC North. That crown now belongs to the Browns after the Steelers were unable to put a complete game together. The defense had holes in it throughout the entire game, while the offense went dormant for the majority of the second and third quarters.
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Steelers' TJ Watt celebrates a big play against the Cleveland Browns during the 2026 season.
This was a rough game to watch for Pittsburgh fans. The offense went on a long drive to open the game and take a 7-0 lead, but by halftime the score was 21-10 with the Browns leading. The defense for Pittsburgh had a hard time tackling and had several lapses in coverage that allowed the Browns to move the ball down the field with ease, but Cleveland was also set up with decent field position after a Pittsburgh turnover and a missed field goal by Chris Boswell.
The defense got the team back in the game by forcing some turnovers in the second half, but the unit let up again as they allowed the Browns to move the ball down the field to kick a game-winning field goal. TJ Watt spoke to the media after the game, and he ripped his defense for making life easy for the Browns.
"I mean credit to them, they had a good game plan," Watt said. "Clearly it worked for them. Obviously, there's going to be situations where we feel like we would want back or we could have done better, that's what we'll get in the lab about and watch the film. Have to get better and get better quick. You just can't have them move the ball that easily. You just can't."
The Browns had things going on offense and they were definitely prepared to take on the Steelers, but the defense for Pittsburgh just looked lifeless at points in the game. Cleveland was able to score 21 points in the second quarter alone, and that essentially decided the game early on.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers edge rusher TJ Watt prepares to try to make a move to beat Browns tackle Dawand Jones in their 2023 Week 11 matchup.
The defense did help the team get back into things in the second half. The Browns were held to two field goals over the 30-minute period, and Pittsburgh forced two turnovers. One was a strip and recovery by Watt, while the other was an interception from rookie safety Robert Spears-Jennings.
This played a role in allowing Pittsburgh to tie the game up at 24, but the defense fell apart again on Cleveland's final possession, which Watt had a similar message about while speaking to the media.
"I mean even at the end of the game there, it's just way too easy getting down the field there, getting them in range," Watt said. "Just got to look at everything and move forward."
Pittsburgh tied the game at 24 with just under 1:45 left on the clock in the fourth quarter, and the Browns were able to put together a drive that went 36 yards in seven plays. The drive included plays of 17 yards, 12 yards, and 10 yards, which shows just how easy it was for Cleveland.
Steelers Showing Same Weaknesses As Years Past
The Steelers have always seemed to struggle when opposing offenses are in must-pass situations, especially with the whole field to use. The defense is constantly picked apart by the quick game, and busted coverages have become far too common in critical situations. The quick game neutralizes the pass rush for Pittsburgh, and the busted coverages allow opposing offenses to move the ball quickly. It is frustrating to watch for fans, and Watt shared a ton of frustration himself while discussing it.
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