Mike Tomlin and his beaten up and battered offense have nobody to blame but themselves in their week 12 loss to division rival Cleveland. Credit the Browns for being opportunistic on defense and I certainly couldn’t fault you for that, but there’s more to it, much more. A turnover here and there, it happens, but 8 turnovers in 1 game cannot be credited completely to the opposition. It’s the sign of an unprepared team plain and simple.
If the Browns had any type of legitimate offense to speak of, this game could have been 35-14. A loss is a loss though so we take no consolation in how bad the opponent is. If anything, it makes this loss even worse.
Charlie Batch: 3 Interceptions.
Rashard Mendenhall: 2 Fumbles, 1 lost.
Isaac Redman: 1 Fumble, 1 lost
Jonathan Dwyer: 1 Fumble, 1 lost
Chris Rainey: 2 Fumbles, 1 lost
1 final fumble on the Steelers last gasp final play of the game.
On a day where the defense did as much as we can ask given the circumstances, accounting for 1 touchdown, 4 sacks, and an interception in addition to the overall solid play throughout the game, they were continously put into a short field situation. It’s easy to say, “well if they are truly a #1 defense then they should make the plays no matter what the circumstances.” Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way in the NFL; even a 2-8 team can score sometimes when they repeatedly get set up with less than 50 yds to drive.
There were a few highlights in this game, mainly attributed to the defense. After Lamarr Woodley left in the first half with an ankle injury, Jason Worilds came in and accounted for 4 tackles and 2 sacks. James Harrison looks to be back to his original form, racking up 9 total tackles and 1 sack. Lawrence Timmons also had 6 tackles and the pick 6 touchdown. Keenan Lewis continues to impress with his coverage, and while Ike Taylor dropped 2 certain interceptions he was able to hold his own as per usual.
As far as what offense there was in this game, Charlie Batch went 20/34 199 yds and 3 interceptions. Jonathan Dwyer rushed 9 times for 19 yds, and Chris Rainey rushed 5 times for 17 yds and 1 TD. Emmanuel Sanders and Heath Miller provided the only firepower through the air, with 75 yds and 63 yds respectively.
The Steelers fall to 6-5 and now head on the road to Baltimore with even more injuries. Mike Adams was carted off in the 2nd half with a left ankle injury. Lamarr Woodley ankle injury was injured in the first half. Willie Colon didn’t even play today due to his knee injury.