Photo credit: behindthesteelcurtain.com
The Cleveland Browns entered Sunday’s matchup with their rival Pittsburgh Steelers on a three-game winning streak.
They left Heinz Field with their playoff chances almost out the window.
Last time these two teams met was in Week 11 on Thursday night Football with the Browns defeating the Steelers 21-7, but it ended in a brawl that had players suspended and fines that lead up to a total of $732,422.
Sunday’s game ended with the Steelers on top at the end of four quarters, 20-13.
For the Browns offensive, they could not get it together at all. Quarterback Baker Mayfield passed for 196 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He was also sacked five times. The talented offensive weapons that the Browns have were non-existent in this game. Power running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt ran for a combined total of 104 yards on 23 carries. Wide receiver Jarvis Landry had six receptions for 76 yards, and Odell Beckham Jr. had three catches for 29 yards.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Browns got exposed by third-string quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges. The Steelers also were without their star wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster and their running back James Conner. The Browns could not make enough stops defensively to keep them in the game due to penalties.
The next game for the Browns will be at home against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals got their first win of the season Sunday against the Jets. Mayfield had an injury to his right hand during the game, but he is expected be fine. The playoff chances for the Browns just got more slim, and it doesn’t look like they are going to make it. What this team has lacked all season has been identity and a leader. Even if you have a talented roster, missing a team identity and someone to lead your team can hurt you throughout the year, and that’s been the 2019 Cleveland Browns in a nutshell.