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
- Pittsburgh has received trade calls for Patrick Queen: No harm in listening
- Steelers WR Ben Skowronek returns to practice: Good news for the offense
- Kurt Warner sees a low ceiling for Pittsburgh: At least Pittsburgh has “Tyler” Warren
Steelers discussion: Have the Steelers abandoned the run in the red zone?
A very interesting trend is brewing for the offense.
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Pittsburgh Steelers news and notes
- Could D.K. Metcalf be on the move: An interesting trade proposal
- Trash talk continues between Cleveland and Pittsburgh: Cam Heyward and Jared Verse chirp
- Buffalo linked to Patrick Queen: This is speculation only
News from around the NFL
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