If the Cleveland Browns are going to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers tonight, one matchup could determine how much freedom the offense gives Deshaun Watson:
Cleveland’s reshuffled offensive line vs. Pittsburgh’s pass rush.
The Browns will be without starting center Elgton Jenkins, who is out with a concussion, while starting guard Teven Jenkins is also out with a back injury. Luke Wypler is expected to take over at center. (Cleveland Browns)
That creates a major challenge against a Steelers defense that will have an opportunity to test Cleveland’s interior protection early and often.
Why This Matchup Matters
The Browns can’t afford to let Pittsburgh consistently collapse the pocket.
Watson has shown signs of improvement over Cleveland’s last two games, and one of the more intriguing offensive opportunities tonight could come from Pittsburgh’s secondary. With Joey Porter Jr. ruled out and Jalen Ramsey questionable, Cleveland could have opportunities to attack downfield. (Pittsburgh Steelers)
But those opportunities only matter if Watson has enough time to take them.
That’s where the offensive line becomes critical.
If Pittsburgh’s pass rush can generate pressure without needing to consistently blitz, the Steelers can make Watson operate in a compressed pocket while keeping more defenders in coverage.
If Cleveland’s line holds up, however, the Browns could force Pittsburgh to make a difficult choice: bring extra pressure and potentially expose a vulnerable secondary, or sit back and give Watson time to find Cleveland’s receivers.
Check out 10 Things Cleveland Must do to Win Thursday Night
The Player to Watch: Luke Wypler
Wypler becomes one of the most important players on the field despite not being one of the household names.
Replacing a starting center against an AFC North opponent on a short week is a significant assignment.
His communication with the guards and quarterback will be particularly important against Pittsburgh’s interior pressure.
The Browns don’t necessarily need Wypler to dominate.
They need him to avoid the drive-killing mistakes that can completely change the complexion of a Thursday night divisional game.
The Browns’ Path to Exploiting Pittsburgh
There’s another reason this matchup could work in Cleveland’s favor.
Pittsburgh’s secondary is dealing with its own availability issues, with Porter out and Ramsey questionable. (Pittsburgh Steelers)
That means Cleveland may have an opportunity to attack vertically when the protection holds.
The formula is simple:
Protect Watson → force Pittsburgh’s safeties to respect the deep ball → create opportunities underneath and over the middle.
But it starts with the offensive line.
The Bottom Line
The Browns-Steelers game could ultimately come down to quarterback play, turnovers or a late special-teams play.
But the matchup to watch from the opening snap is Cleveland’s offensive line against Pittsburgh’s pass rush.
If the Browns can protect Watson despite the changes up front, Cleveland should have opportunities to attack a Steelers secondary missing Porter.
If Pittsburgh consistently wins at the line of scrimmage, Cleveland’s offense could have a much tougher time getting into rhythm.
For the Browns, it starts up front.
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