The Pittsburgh Steelers will host their second straight game to open the season against the Cleveland Browns. Its time for some AFC North football and though its only week two, the Steelers have a lot at stake. Should they lose, they will be staring at an 0-2 start in a division where two teams are 2-0 with a division win each. Thats essentially 2.5 games out of the division lead which would obviously be an unideal way to open the season.
The Browns stifled the Cincinnati Bengals in week one in a game with inclement weather. Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ offense were unable to get much of anything accomplished despite high expectations. Naturally, there are some worries given the Steelers ugly week one performance. Diontae Johnson, Anthony McFarland Jr., and Cameron Heyward have been sent to IR, so they will be unavailable for some time.
The ‘next men up’ carry a lot of responsibility heading into this game. Gunner Olszewski figures to take over the kick return duties. Cameron Heyward won’t be replaceable by one player, so a committee will be employed along the DL. Diontae Johnson’s role will be best filled by Calvin Austin III which will also create more opportunities further down the depth chart. That is a lot of players playing in their first ever AFC North game.
As always, refresh this page throughout the game as I will curate live updates, interesting tweets, video highlights and more. You can also visit the comment section at the bottom of the page where hundreds of fans gather every week to discuss the game in real time.
Steelers’ Inactive Players:
QB Mason Rudolph (3rd)
T Dylan Cook
WR Dez Fitzpatrick
CB Desmond King II
Browns’ Inactive Players:
CB Kahlef Hailassie
S Ronnie Hickman
C Luke Wypler
DE Isaiah McGuire
DT Siaki Ika
The Steelers will kickoff to start this week’s game.
START OF GAME
The opening kickoff resulted in a touchback. The Browns and Deshaun Watson take over from the 25.
The first play of the game was a tipped pass intercepted by Alex Highsmith who returned it all the way for a touchdown. 7-0 Steelers.
After a dreadful game lacking anything good, the Steelers start to the right the ship from the first play of the game. Amazing.
Chros Boswell with another kickoff early, and another touchback. The crowd is amped up. This opens up everything for the Steelers.
Nick Chubb rushed for three yards on first down. The Browns call a timeout after what appeared to be a miscommunication in the huddle. The crowd noise is already creating issues. On 2nd down, Minkah Fitzpatrick made the stop to make it 3rd and 1. Elijah Moore picked up 6 yards. On 3rd and 1, the Steelers load up the box. Deshaun Watson went on the move to throw into the flats to Amari Cooper.
On 1st and 10, Nick Chubb rushed for 7 on the toss play. Alex Highsmith chased him down, nearly for the TFL. On 2nd and 3, Chubb checked out of the game. The Brows convert again with a completion to David Bell. Minkah Fitzpatrick and Patrick Peterson teamed up for the tackle.
Another quick pass with the RPO WR screen to pickup 7 yards on 1st down. On 2nd, Watson scrambled to escape pressure and took off for the first down.
On 1st and 10, Chubb gained about 2.5 yards to enter the red zone. 2nd and 8, Chubb rushed for another first down up the middle, but the offense was called for holding. Dawand Jones was called for holding, so the first signs of issues for the rookie tackle making his first start. On 2nd and 17, Chubb gained about 9 to make it a manageable 3rd down. Still, TJ Watt and the pass rush should be coming here. 3rd and 8, an incomplete pass intended for Elijah Moore. Excellent coverage by the rookie Joey Porter Jr. The rookie killed the drive!
