Updated

Updated · The New York Times · Oct 2

Steelers Defense Gives Up 371 Yards in 27-24 Browns Loss After Joey Porter Jr. Trade

Updated

Updated · The New York Times · Oct 2

Steelers Defense Gives Up 371 Yards in 27-24 Browns Loss After Joey Porter Jr. Trade

Q: How will the Browns' makeshift offensive line hold up against the Steelers' adjustments in the crucial second half?

Cleveland’s patched-together line should be under much more stress after halftime, and how long Watson keeps this up will likely depend on whether the Browns can keep the protection plan simple and quick. The concern is real. Cleveland came in already shorthanded up front, with center Elgton Jenkins out and depth being tested by Pittsburgh’s defensive front. The Browns’ first half worked because Watson was decisive, completed 14 of 17 passes, and got the ball to rookies Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion on rhythm. That limited the time Pittsburgh had to expose backup and inexperienced blockers. The Steelers are likely to answer with more interior pressure and simulated rush looks in the second half, especially at center and guard, where Cleveland is most vulnerable. Even if Pittsburgh has not been one of the league’s heaviest blitz teams overall, it has the personnel to change the picture after the snap and force communication errors from a makeshift line. That is the area to watch most closely. Cleveland’s best counter is not asking the line to hold blocks for long. Expect more quick throws, movement from Watson, tight end help, and a continued run-game emphasis with Quinshon Judkins and Jaleel McLaughlin. If the Browns stay ahead of the chains and avoid obvious passing downs, the line can hold up well enough. If the game script turns into longer third downs, though, Pittsburgh’s adjustments could flip the matchup quickly.

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 2

Pittsburgh’s first game after trading Joey Porter Jr. exposed its secondary, as Cleveland moved 36 yards in seven plays for the winning field goal after Aaron Rodgers tied it late.
371 yards allowed and 6.0 yards per play reflected broader defensive breakdowns: soft zone coverage, poor tackling, a coverage bust that gave up a 60-yard gain, and trouble with Cleveland’s motion and read-option looks.
Asante Samuel Jr. — Porter’s direct replacement — misplayed a deep ball to Jerry Jeudy on the decisive drive, while Daylen Everette was thrust into a bigger role after Jamel Dean left with an ankle injury.
Players backed Porter despite the abrupt split over his recurring back issue, but T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith made clear the unit’s frustration after falling to 3-1 instead of closing out the game.
The loss sharpened concerns about whether Pittsburgh’s reworked cornerback group can hold up against AFC North offenses with multiple receiving threats, especially if Dean and other injured starters remain sidelined.