Last night’s game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers was a classic example of two teams attempting to protect themselves from their quarterback. Neither team attempted to beat the other one, they only wanted to not beat themselves. Both Jacoby Brissett and Mitchell Trubisky have limitations, which isn’t a knock, only a reality of the NFL today. Most every quarterback has limitations, only a few are limitless. Teams that understand there are no perfect quarterbacks and manages those limitations are the ones that succeed, as the Browns did last night beating Pittsburgh 29-17 and covering the four-point line plus helping the books by going over the total of 38.
Brissett has played well in three games. He has protected the ball, made accurate short throws and converted some key third-and shorts-with his ability to sneak, using his big body. He has played within the framework of their offense, relying on running backs Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt and their offensive line to control the game, get the lead and control the clock. The Browns have played their style for three games — starting fast (they’ve outscored opponents 14-0 in the first quarter) and get control of the game, never having to become a drop-back passing team. Cleveland has held the ball over 35 minutes in three games, allowing its defense to only be on the field for 172 plays in three games. By contrast, the Steelers D had already played 180 snaps going into last night game. What’s the difference?
The Browns have a better team around Brissett and can execute a larger volume of offense. The Steelers can only manage Trubisky with a simple and easy college offense, before his overall limitations rear their ugly head. All the talk about Trubisky being rehabbed during his time in Buffalo is simply talk. There is no rehab for making Trubisky improved.
After the game, there are several questions regarding both teams that need to be addressed. Let’s start with the Browns. The first one is easy: Can the Browns continue to win in this manner? Yes, they can because they won’t change who they are regardless of the score. Even if they get behind in the first quarter, they will continue to pound Chubb and run the ball. They know who they are — and will not concede or play outside their comfort zone.