Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled mightily in Cleveland since 2018. Can they overcome their Lake Erie woes to win the AFC North?
After the Baltimore Ravens fell to the New England Patriots on Sunday Night, the Pittsburgh Steelers are just one win away from winning their division. The last time they accomplished this feat was in 2020. However, their divisional foe in Cleveland is ready to spoil their Christmas wish. Can the Steelers overcome their Cleveland woes to beat the Browns on Sunday?
Since 2018, the Steelers haven’t performed well off Lake Erie. They are 1-5-1 in Cleveland, Ohio, since then, and now the Browns can spoil the Steelers’ season.
While the Ravens losing Saturday night in Green Bay would seal the division for Pittsburgh, why let them control that fate? The Steelers have begun to build momentum into the postseason for the first time in a long while. Maybe even since their last season without a playoff victory.
Head coach Mike Tomlin certainly isn’t thinking about Baltimore’s chances in Green Bay. His message at Tuesday’s press conference was swift and clear–and he’s not overlooking Cleveland either.
“Divisions are won on the road,” Tomlin told reporters. “We’ve had our issues in recent years in Cleveland.”
Maybe a more recent sting is still pulsing in the scar tissue of 2024 for Tomlin’s Steelers. They were in a similar position last year, as the 19th-year head coach highlighted.
“We were in a similar circumstance a year ago at the doorstep in Baltimore and weren’t able to get it done. I’m excited to be here, but also urgent about where we are.” He told the media.
Losing their top wide receiver to suspension, the uncertain status of their top pass rusher, and a banged-up secondary don’t help their cause. It’s never easy in divisional football, however. Tomlin made that clear.
”Man, these waters run deep in divisional play,” Tomlin said. “We’d better put together a good plan. We’d better have a no-blink mentality.
Cleveland isn’t having a great season. Their quarterback changes have been constant, their defense has been inconsistent recently, and they are also dealing with key injuries. Make no mistake, they are ready to spoil the holiday season–regardless of Saturday night or the standings.
This is December football. Can the Steelers get it done in Cleveland?
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Can the Steelers Overcome Cleveland Woes to Win the AFC North?
