Steelers Receive Countless Compliments From Former Pro Bowler After Massive Win Over Browns

The Pittsburgh Steelers improved to a 10-3 record and are now two games ahead in the AFC North after defending home turf against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. As the team always faces some sort of adversity each week, this week’s effort would be without wide receiver George Pickens, who was inactive due to a hamstring injury. Pittsburgh’s offense got off to a slow start without Pickens, but Russell Wilson and company were eventually able to get going and finish with a 27-14 victory.

Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers celebrate after Van Jefferson catches a touchdown pass from Russell Wilson in Acrisure Stadium in 2024.

CBS’ announcing crew in Pittsburgh featured Jim Nantz and Tony Romo, who were impressed with Pittsburgh’s dominant win over Cleveland. After the game, Romo went into detail about the Steelers being a complete football team, specifically in each of the three phases.

Over the last few seasons, Pittsburgh’s play-making on defense and special teams kept them in games and in contention for playoff births. With the offense finally in a rhythm under Wilson, the Steelers have become a serious contender. Romo believes that the Steelers are at least a top three team overall at each phase in the NFL.

“Well, I think they’re a complete football team,” Romo said on Sunday. “I think they might be the best, top two or three in the league for sure, in all three phases – offense, defense, special teams. They don’t really have a weakness. If they stay healthy and Pickens comes back, you’re going to be fine. The biggest thing is going to be a situational play at the end. Does Russell Wilson make a play, or does the other team’s quarterback? I think this teams going to be in every single football game, but if its close, TJ Watt has a way of winning football games.”

Pittsburgh forced three turnovers by Cleveland, two of which were interceptions off of Jameis Winston, and the other off of a muffed punt near the end of regulation. Sunday’s victory wouldn’t have come without the efforts of the defense and special teams.

Multiple players made big plays, including a Keeanu Benton interception early in the second quarter to set up the offense for its first touchdown. James Pierre and Ben Skowronek also both made big plays to seal Pittsburgh’s win over the Browns.

Aaron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers forced a dropped punt by the Cleveland Browns late in the fourth quarter in 2024.

Leading a receiving group without Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, Scotty Miller, and Mike Williams each had three receptions from Wilson. Wilson connected with eight different pass catchers for just 158 yards through the air, but also had two big touchdown passes.

When the Steelers are clicking in all three phases of the game, they’re a tough team to beat. Pittsburgh is now two games ahead of the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North and can clinch the division title with a win over them in just two weeks.

Steelers’ Defense Hass Big Response After Rough Performance Against Bengals

Pittsburgh’s defense had a rough outing in Week 13 against Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals, but had a nice bounce-back performance against Cleveland. The Steelers held Winston to just 212 passing yards and running back Nick Chubb to 48 yards on 11 carries. Even Jerry Jeudy was held to under 70 receiving yards after his huge performance of over 200 yards a week ago.

Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers’ OLB Alex Highsmith making a hit on Cleveland Browns’ QB Jameis Winston in 2024.

Ben Roethlisberger: A Steelers Legend’s 18-Year Journey

Alex Highsmith returned this week after being sidelined with an ankle injury for a few weeks, and he was able to get an early sack on Winston. The pass rush definitely stepped up on Sunday as Winston was under a lot of pressure for the majority of the game. As many fans were desperately hoping, the Steelers were able to get their get-back win against the Browns, and even without Pickens. With the Browns being out of playoff contention, the AFC North rivalry won’t reunite until 2025.

What are your thoughts on Romo’s comments? Are the Steelers a complete team and one that can make a real push at the Super Bowl? Let us know your thoughts below!

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