Two Plays Stand Out in Otherwise Strong Showing from Browns Defense

The Cleveland Browns defense once again looked impressive this time against the Pittsburgh Steelers. They dominated, but there are two plays that will stick in their collective craw coming out of this game.

The Cleveland Browns defense had its second strong performance in as many weeks, which should've been good enough to secure another victory. Unfortunately, two plays that allowed the Pittsburgh Steelers to score their lone offensive touchdown will be a major focus as they get ready to turn around and prepare to take on the Tennessee Titans this week.

For most of the game, the Browns dominated the line of scrimmage, shutting down the run and providing consistent pressure against Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett. They allowed Pickett to make a few throws, but were quick to recover and often end drives unscathed.

The Steelers had nine first downs in the game and 255 total yards, 55 of which were gained on the ground. The Steelers converted four of their 14 third downs and the Steelers never got within the Browns 30-yard line.

The most nerve wracking part of the defense for much of the game was concerns over injury. Greg Newsome II suffered an elbow injury after he fell with it pinned under a Steelers receivers, tried to come back in at one point before once again leaving. Denzel Ward went to the locker room, but only needed fluids to deal with cramps. Za'Darius Smith rolled his ankle. Both Ward and Smith returned to finish the game.

But on what should've been one of the more routine plays of the game, the Browns faltered. On 3rd-and-10, Pickett dumped the ball off to Jaylen Warren for what was to be only the latest three-and-out for the Steelers. But despite three Browns defenders and plenty of room to make the stop, Warren was able to fight through for an 11-yard gain to extend the drive.

The proceeding play, the Browns had a coverage lapse that allowed Pickett to find a wide open George Pickens for a 71-yard touchdown. It seemed as though Denzel Ward, who had outside leverage, was expecting safety help to the inside, likely from safety Grant Delpit, but he was following a crosser, leaving a chasm for Pickett to throw the ball. Pickett caught the ball and ran the rest of the way for the score.

Whether a miscommunication or a straight up bust, it doesn't happen if three Browns defenders simply make the tackle on the previous play. The Steelers punt the ball away just as they did seven other times during the game.

The best way to prevent a defensive mishap whether it's in coverage or any other aspect of the game is not to be on the field at all, something defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz will likely be talking about in team meetings.

None of this changes how good this defense has been and can still be, but as this game showed, giving away points often comes at a cost. The Browns defense only gave up 12 including that touchdown, but that six points might've been the difference in the game since the Browns lost 26-22. 14 of the Steelers points came via the Browns offense, which underscores just how bad they were on that side of the ball.

The Browns had at least one coverage bust against the Bengals as well. Martin Emerson Jr. was beaten deep on the Browns half of the field giving their receiver a clear path to the end zone, but Joe Burrow was unable to make a good throw. Weather played a role throughout the game but Dalvin Tomlinson was also bearing down on him, which impacted the throw.

In that situation, another defender with perhaps an assist from Mother Nature covered up Emerson's misstep. That's the best possible outcome since as much as everyone would like to believe these types of mistakes shouldn't happen, they do. It's simply a matter of trying to close the hole fast enough before the opponent can take advantage.

In the case of the Steelers game, it's simply a play that shouldn't have happened and it will be interesting to see how the Browns defense responds moving forward. This group is talented and has already showed what they're capable of just two games into the season. If they can stay healthy, they have the capacity to be one of the better units in the league, which is why there's a focus on just two of the defense's 53 plays.