Featured image: Caitlyn Epes/Pittsburgh Steelers
Subject: Run defense/gap integrity
Grade: A-
Explanation: The Browns came into this game the #1 ground attack in the NFL. The Steelers limited them to 96 yards and forced them out of the top spot. It was only the second game of the year they were held under 150 rushing yards (they tallied 73 against Arizona in a game without Nick Chubb).
Textbook run fits here on the Browns’ first fourth down attempt. Highsmith and Buggs control the middle of the line; Heyward crashing from the left forces the LT into the path of the pulling guard so he can’t get out in front on Bush. If Chubb finds the edge and it’s up to Joe Haden to bring him down solo with a head of steam, good luck!
I had to ding them half a grade for allowing one explosive run to Chubb. Watching it live it looked like Buggs was responsible for the gap Chubb cut back through. After they showed this replay I’m not so sure it’s his fault. Chubb dragged Minkah for an additional 10 yards after contact.
Subject: Get them in “third and obvious” situations
Grade: A+
Explanation:
Subject: Limit Myles Garrett’s downhill opportunities
Grade: B-
Explanation: Limiting the NFL’s leading sack artist to 1 sack and 2 QB hits is a W. Full stop, end of paragraph.
I didn’t love how often they left him one-on-one with rookie LT Dan Moore, most notably the 2-point conversion attempt from the 12. It’s hard to ask a RB to pick Garrett up when he’s in the backfield with a head of steam, but you can get a TE to chip him at the line and force him off-schedule. Garrett is too much man to ISO on any one lineman, especially a rookie, and ESPECIALLY on key snaps.
In my preview this week I wrote about running to his side and throwing swings and screens over his shoulder to get him to waste energy chasing plays. I liked how they used McFarland and the pitch-out; I didn’t like it as much when they did it to Ballage.
Subject: Reinforcements for Najee!
Grade: C+
Explanation: McFarland had 1 rush for 1 yard in his first game of the year coming back from a knee injury. As I said above I liked the “set ‘em up, knock ‘em down” they planned for him. I’m glad they didn’t overload his plate but it’s hard grading him more than an incomplete.
Harris, Snell and Ballage are all power runners; McFarland offers them a different look when the bell cow needs a breather, instead of just a worse version of the same look. Moving forward I’d like McFarland to show he can step up and give the Steelers decent third quarters so Harris is fresh and in position to slam the door shut late.
CamBlackburnWrites 