Steelers news: How Cleveland will defend Pittsburgh on Sunday

(Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images The Pittsburgh Steelers are set for a massive AFC North battle with the division-leading Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Cleveland won the first matchup a few weeks back, and the Steelers can expect the Browns to stick with their defen

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What is the story about?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are set for a massive AFC North battle with the division-leading Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Cleveland won the first matchup a few weeks back, and the Steelers can expect the Browns to stick with their defensive philosophy from the Thursday Night Football clash. Defensively, the Browns decided man coverage was the best way to defend Pittsburgh and its offense. On 73% of Pittsburgh’s dropbacks, they faced man coverage.

Pittsburgh has faced man coverage on 42% of dropbacks, the

highest rate through seven weeks since 2020, according to SumerSports. Pittsburgh finished with a 36% success rate against Cleveland’s man coverage, and the league average is 42%. The offense has posted an EPA/dropback of -0.19 against man coverage.

The bottom line is, the Steelers need man coverage beaters. Defenses will refuse to back off until the receivers prove they can defeat man-to-man independently. This is the matchup to watch on Sunday.

Here is Thursday’s Three Rivers Report.

Steelers coverage from Behind the Steel Curtain

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A very interesting trend is brewing for the offense.

Be sure to join The Feed, where you can share your thoughts right now!

Pittsburgh Steelers news and notes

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