The Cleveland Browns suffered a devastating 27-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, further solidifying their position at the bottom of the NFL standings. The team’s woes are multifaceted, with key issues including quarterback play, defense, and special teams.
Cleveland’s struggles began early, as the Steelers’ frustration from their previous 24-19 loss still lingered. Despite a promising start to the season, the Browns have regressed significantly, with a record of 3-10 and no playoff hopes. The team’s decision to trade Deshaun Watson has been widely criticized, and his subsequent injury has only exacerbated the problem.
Jameis Winston took over as quarterback, but failed to inspire confidence in his first game back from injury. The Steelers’ defense proved too much for him to handle, with Pittsburgh emerging victorious and taking a crucial 10-3 lead in the AFC North.
The Browns’ problems run deep, however. Their offense is one of the worst in the NFL, with special teams struggling to find consistency. The running game has also been non-existent, leaving the team reliant on Winston’s passing ability. As the season wears on, it seems increasingly likely that Cleveland will be back in the mix for the draft, rather than competing for a playoff spot.
The Steelers, on the other hand, are playing well under Mike Tomlin, with Russell Wilson and a strong defense leading the charge. Their 27-7 lead in the third quarter was well-deserved, and their victory serves as a stark contrast to the Browns’ woes.
Source: https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2024/12/yes-were-back-to-the-browns-is-the-browns-i-hate-it-terry-pluto.html