Report Card
RAY FITTIPALDO GRADES THE STEELERS ON SUNDAY’ S GAME:
Quarterback
It’s worth mentioning every week because it’s an important statistic. Ben Roethlisberger’s touchdownto- interception ratio is 11: 1 after five games. Roethlisberger was 14 for 22 for only 162 yards, but he made a couple of big plays in the first half to give the Steelers some separation on the scoreboard. He’s not posting gaudy statistics, but he is playing an efficient style that suits this team’s identity.
Offensive line
The Steelers faced one of the league’s best fronts, and once again they did a nice job of keeping Roethlisberger clean. Myles Garrett managed one sack late in the first half, but he was quiet for most of the game. In fact, he was mostly invisible as were the other 10 players on the Browns defense. The Steelers set the tone early with the running game, and the Browns never had an answer for stopping it.
Secondary
Minkah Fitzpatrick set the tone early when he returned an interception 33 yards for a touchdown. It was the beginning of a shutdown kind of day for the defensive backs. Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry, the Browns’ top two receivers, combined for just five catches for 65 yards, none of consequence. The Steelers allowed one first down on 15 third- or fourthdown attempts, and the secondary played a large role in that success.
Running backs
James Conner got off to a good start with some nifty runs early in the game and finished with his third 100- yard game of the season. He had 101 yards on 20 carries. The Steelers ran the ball 37 times for 129 yards and got a late touchdown from Benny Snell as well. The Steelers manufactured running yards with their receivers last week against the Eagles, but this one was all about the running backs.
Defensive line
Cam Heyward, Stephon Tuitt and Tyson Alualu shut down the run and forced the Browns into throwing situations. As Baker Mayfield’s interceptions demonstrated, that’s not usually a positive development for the Browns. The coup de grace came midway through the third quarter when the Browns went for it on fourth- and- 1, and Kareem Hunt was dropped for a loss. Tuitt was credited with a half sack
Special teams
Chris Boswell remained perfect on the season with his 35- yard field goal to open scoring. Ray- Ray McCloud had a 17- yard punt return and a 28- yard kickoff return while the coverage units were held in check. Dustin Colquitt had five punts for a 41.8- yard average and pinned the Browns inside the 20 once. Danny Smith’s units have played well all season and continued that trend against the Browns.
Receivers
Defenses continue to pay extra special attention to JuJu Smith- Schuster. And the Browns made sure Chase Claypool didn’t go off like he did last week against the Eagles. Luckily, James Washington had four catches for 68 yards and a touchdown, all in the first half. Claypool heated up in the second half and finished with four catches for 74 yards. It’s the second consecutive week the rookie has led the team in receiving yards.
Linebackers
Bud Dupree was fantastic and boosted his team- leading sack total to five with two more. The inside linebackers were strong too, but Devin Bush’s knee injury is concerning. Robert Spillane played well as Bush’s replacement, but the Steelers will miss Bush’s speed and athleticism in the middle of their defense. The reaction from Mike Tomlin and players after the game suggests it’s a season- ending injury.
Coaching
The Steelers got the lead early and then forced the Browns into a game they don’t want to play — catch- up. Other than a touchdown drive just before halftime, they did whatever they wanted against the Browns when the game was still in doubt. The offense got off to another slow start with three points on their first three drives, but offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner finally opened things up in the second quarter.