Steelers Prepare for Thursday Night Showdown Against Browns With Limited Practice Time

The upcoming Thursday Night Football match between the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers has garnered attention, as both teams were given minimal time to prepare, having played just three days prior in Week 11. The Steelers, facing the Browns this Thursday, are required to strategize against a team with evolving dynamics due to recent changes in their lineup and coaching strategies.

For the Browns, quarterback Jameis Winston presents a fresh challenge for the Steelers’ defense. Winston has started only three games for Cleveland, stepping in after the original starting quarterback sustained a season-ending injury in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals. This limited exposure makes it difficult for the Steelers to analyze and predict his gameplay.

Adding to their complexity, offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey assumed play-calling responsibilities from Week 8, further reducing the amount of film available for Pittsburgh to scrutinize. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin expressed on Monday, «I’m really just trying to get a sense of what Ken Dorsey as the primary play caller means. How is it different? We’ve got to familiarize ourselves with that tandem (Winston and Dorsey) and how they work and what does that mean to their schematics and personality on offense.»

Despite these changes, one familiar element in the Browns’ offense remains—running back Nick Chubb. Tomlin acknowledged Chubb’s prowess, referring to him as «Mr. Chubb,» noting his significant contributions in past games, including 717 rushing yards and three touchdowns in 10 career games against the Steelers. Chubb returned to the lineup in Week 8 and is working back to form with 163 rushing yards and one touchdown since.

As for the Steelers, the anticipation is directed towards their strategy to handle the Browns’ dynamic offense, which now includes wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. Jeudy, in his debut game against the Steelers, has quickly become a key player since joining Cleveland, with 18 receptions, 294 yards, and a touchdown in conjunction with Winston’s recent quarterback starts. «Jeudy is new to them but he’s not new to the NFL. He’s coming off of a really big game,» Tomlin commented.

Defensively, the Steelers are looking to counter a keen Browns defense that contained them to 10 points in their last matchup. Among the Browns’ standout defensive players is Myles Garrett, whose impact is widely acknowledged, considering his seven sacks this season. Tomlin stated, «He’s a game wrecker. You get in one-dimensional moments, you better be real solid there. It’s not possible that he’s going to impact the game, it’s probable in those circumstances. We’re highly familiar with that.»

Facilitating Myles Garrett is defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, noted for his prowess both in pass rushing and as a run stopper. With Tomlinson boasting a 41 percent run stop win rate, Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson acknowledged the challenge ahead, complementing the Browns’ defensive coordination under coach Jim Schwartz. «They’re physical, they fly around, they do a great job,» Wilson remarked, highlighting the Browns’ defensive strengths, gained from his experience against them in 2023 with the Denver Broncos.