The Cleveland Browns are home for the final time in 2025 on Sunday when they host the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field.
Cleveland enters the contest on a four-game losing streak, while the Steelers could take the field with the AFC North Division title in hand if the Baltimore Ravens lose to the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night.
It is setting up to be another dreary afternoon on the shores of Lake Erie, although the Browns have won five of the past six meetings between the teams in Cleveland.
Could the Browns have some leftover coal to put in Pittsburgh’s holiday stocking?
On Wednesday, Cleveland’s coordinators held their weekly meeting with the media, and here are the key takeaways from what they had to say about the upcoming game against the Steelers.
Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz
The Browns have struggled against the run the past three weeks, allowing 490 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. This week presents another challenge with the way Pittsburgh utilizes its running backs, according to Schwartz:
“It’s not just Jaylen Warren; Kenneth Gainwell’s really increased his role since the first time we’ve played, not just in the run game, but in the passing game. And one of the things Pittsburgh does with Aaron Rodgers is they throw a lot of short RPOs, quick passes, little option routes to the running back, which are high percentage plays that are sort of an extension of the running game. And both of those guys are really good at runs after the catch. A lot of short throws, a lot of quick throws, and run after the catch, and both Warren and Gainwell give those guys a little bit of a different style.
“They’ll use both of them, so we got to know which guy is out there, and then also just really work hard for tackling and allowing no run after contact, but also no run after the catch.”
There is a possibility, even if it is a small one, that the Steelers may rest some of their starters if they have clinched the AFC North Division title because of a loss by the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. But the defense is not focusing on that possibility, according to Schwartz:
“We always get ready for backup players and backup quarterbacks, that’s part of our preparation anyway, knowing the skill sets of everybody that’s on the field. So, we’ll cross that bridge when we get there. We concentrate a little bit more on us and what our game plan is and how we’re going to play. And if that’s something they choose to do, then we’ll adjust accordingly.”
Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders has struggled the past two weeks as the Browns have faced better defenses. Against Pittsburgh, giving Sanders a clean pocket to work in will be vital, according to Rees:
“It starts with our ability to protect, which I thought our protection Sunday was excellent for the majority of the game. There are a lot of times we’re in our actions, and we have plenty of time back there. You look at (the Steelers), who they’ve been over the past however many years, it starts for them up front. So, it needs to start with us up front. Our ability to protect the passer is going to be critical.
“But protection against this group is everybody. It’s getting open on time; it’s playing on time. It’s everybody that’s part of the core being in protection. So that will allow us to have a chance in the passing game.”
The Browns will be without leading rusher Quinshon Judkins as he suffered a season-ending injury against the Bills. But Rees has confidence in Raheim Sanders and Trayveon Williams after seeing them in action against Buffalo:
“Q’s a great player, we’re going to miss him, and he’s provided a lot for us. We have trust in the group we have. We’re going to continue to find their strengths, try to highlight those, and we’ll see how this week goes with the other backs and getting them back here.
“(Raheim and Trayveon) came in that second half and did a really nice job for us and (picked up some) critical third down conversions. We got a nine-yard run, we got an eight-yard run from the nine-yard line. Like really big moments, you know, for those guy,s and they were well prepared.”
Special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone
Another week, another miscue on special teams as a botched snap on a field goal attempt at the end of the first half denied the Browns three points. Those are the type of plays the Browns need to eliminate, according to Ventrone:
“Kind of short on the ball, but I do think that obviously both of those guys (long snapper Rex Sunahara and punter Corey Bojorquez) own it. We need to be able to execute that. I think Corey can still get the ball down (in that situation). He would tell you the same thing. So just gotta eliminate bad football like that.”
Even with a down year, starting safety Grant Delpit was named a Pro Bowl alternate at special teams this week. Delpit’s willingness to play on special teams is, well, special, according to Ventrone:
“I think two things to know from that are, obviously, he’s a starter that’s willing to do whatever it takes for our team. So he’s played on two units, you know, most of the season for us. We’ve created two turnovers, and he’s been a part of both of them. So obviously, the fumble against Miami and then the recovered fumble against Baltimore here at home. He does everything I ask him to do, and he’s a great teammate, a great player.”
The Browns and the Steelers kick off on Sunday at 1 p.m. from Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland. Stay tuned to Dawgs By Nature for coverage throughout the weekend and all day on Sunday.
