NFL · 1 year ago

5 Things We Learned From the Pittsburgh Steelers Week 12 Loss to the Browns

Zack Cook

Host · Writer

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Worst Coaching Performance From Mike Tomlin in Recent Memory
It's been a while since I've spoken negatively about Mike Tomlin. Widely regarded as one of the NFL's top coaches, Tomlin struggled significantly on Thursday night. Tomlin's clock management skills were brutal, and there were correctable mistakes from the beginning of the game that were all about preparation. Rarely is a Tomlin-led team not ready from the first whistle, but the Steelers' slow start and overall struggles started from the boss man on the sidelines.

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Jaylen Warren Shows Importance to Offense
It wasn't a very impactful showing from Najee Harris on Thursday, but the same can't be said for Jaylen Warren. Warren showed an electric burst throughout the clash, and the Steelers were wise to get him more involved. Warren has the juice to be a difference-maker in this offense, and his role on the ground and in the passing game was on full display in Week 12.
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T.J. Watt Struggles
This was a very uncharacteristic game from T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers. You can certainly give a ton of credit to the Browns offensive line for protecting their quarterback, but Watt has to find a way in this type of matchup. There were countless opportunities for Watt to rush the quarterback, and it just never transpired to the point we were looking for. The Steelers' pass rush has quietly been an issue for this team, even with a strong defense overall.

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Calvin Austin Emerges
One of the bright spots for the Steelers on Thursday night was the emergence of Calvin Austin III in the offense. The Steelers have been looking for wideouts that can make an impact over the middle of the field, and that's exactly what Austin did in Week 12. Austin caught three passes for 78 yards and a touchdown while playing a massive role in keeping this game closer than it probably should have been.
Steelers Choke in Race for AFC's No.1 Seed
The Steelers had an opportunity on Thursday night to cement themselves as a real contender for the top seed in the AFC. Whether you're the Chiefs or the Bills, those teams don't let those opportunities go to waste. The Steelers did on Thursday night, and although their playoff hopes look strong now, the road will be a lot tougher once they get there in January.

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Check out The Smylie Show on SportsGrid
Worst Coaching Performance From Mike Tomlin in Recent Memory
It's been a while since I've spoken negatively about Mike Tomlin. Widely regarded as one of the NFL's top coaches, Tomlin struggled significantly on Thursday night. Tomlin's clock management skills were brutal, and there were correctable mistakes from the beginning of the game that were all about preparation. Rarely is a Tomlin-led team not ready from the first whistle, but the Steelers' slow start and overall struggles started from the boss man on the sidelines.

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5 Things We Learned From the Pittsburgh Steelers Week 12 Loss to the Browns

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