Count me as one who is more nervous and anxious about the Pittsburgh Steelers playing in Cleveland than I was against the Baltimore Ravens. It’s not because I think the Browns are as good as Baltimore (although they did beat them a few weeks ago), but I think it’s more about the Steelers themselves. This one on Thursday has all the makings of a ‘trap game’ whether the team admits it or not.
The national media is now paying full attention to the 8-2 club. From ESPN to the NFL Network, many shows and podcasts are leading off with questions about just how good the Steelers might be. HBO’s “Hard Knocks” also starts filming for their first-ever “Divisional” perspective program which will cover all four teams the AFC North. Mike Tomlin will become an even bigger star and there’s no doubt guys will want to take advantage of their new found camera time.
But there’s also the added pressure of playing a rival on just three days rest… After you’ve just had a slug-fest with a different rival. It’s asking a lot and no, I’m not going to bitch about the NFL and the scheduling. It is what it is at this point and one could argue the Browns have it worse since they had to fly home from New Orleans.
I often think back to those stories of Jerome Bettis being unable to get down the stairs the day after a game because his body was so battered and bruised. I have to believe there are any number of guys on this team who are feeling very similar to the way ‘The Bus’ did. But the Browns will have to deal with similar issues too coming off a pretty embarrassing loss to the Saints.
And that leads to my next point. The Browns are 2-8, coming off a brutal performance and while they aren’t mathematically eliminated yet from the postseason, it’s pretty damn close. Another loss and that’s it for 2024. What better way to turn things around than by beating your most-hated rival?
Trap games have numerous definitions, meaning we all view them a bit differently, but this one does fit many of the parameters. The Steelers know they still have a trip to Cincinnati the following week and three straight divisional games (two on the road) is a tall order for any team regardless of their success. They are riding high with a game and half lead in the division and the media is hungry for their attention.
Games like this often fly under the radar when the season is over but they can also prove just how good a team is in the present. Can you – on short notice – come together and get another win? Or do you fall prey and go back to the drawing board while getting needed rest?
We are about to find out.
