Steelers vs. Browns: 5 questions with the enemy ahead of Week 12

Featuring Dawgs By Nature’s Chris Pokorny

The Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2) are coming off an emotional victory over the Baltimore Ravens that gaven them sole possession of first place in the division. This week, they will have to play on short rest against the Cleveland Browns (2-8) on Thursday Night Football. I spoke with Chris Pokorny of Dawgs By Nature to get a better idea of what to expect in this week’s matchup.

You can read my questions and his answers below:

1. The season hasn’t gone how Browns fans would have wanted. From the outside looking in, the team seems too talented for their 2-8 record. What’s been the biggest reason for the way this season has gone? Is it all on the quarterback play? Injuries? The staff?

Initially, I think a lot of it was on the quarterback play. Deshaun Watson’s play was so uninspiring, so limiting, that it got to the point where I think it was just tough for anyone to believe the team could win. It’s insane that in all the games Watson played this season, the Browns didn’t score 20 points once, and he didn’t throw for over 200 yards passing once. And yet, as soon as Jameis Winston plays, he’s thrown for 300+ yards in two of his three games, and not having much of an issue putting at least some drives together.

Unfortunately, the Browns are still 1-2 without Watson, and I think that is where the disappointment of the defense shines brighter. So I don’t spoil one of your later questions, I’ll address the defense in a bit.

As far as coaching goes, I think the team was also hurt by hiring Ken Dorsey as their offensive coordinator. He was hired to try to put together an offense that was more fit for Watson, despite it going against the strengths of the rest of the personnel on offense. It just didn’t work, and the team has had a lot of special teams lapses too, aside from the punter. Now it’s frustrating because there’s still a lot of season left, but we have nothing to look forward to and now all of the big salary cap numbers look dreadful heading into 2025.

2. What’s been the biggest change on offense since the change at quarterback?

The offense has looked potent in two of three games since Jameis Winston became the quarterback. To a degree, it’s tough to judge because he’s succeeded against two bad defenses (Baltimore and New Orleans), but struggled by throwing three interceptions against a Chargers defense that allows the fewest points in the NFL. He just has the presence of an NFL-caliber quarterback. That might sound so basic, but the reason I phrase it light that is to show just how far Watson had fallen in terms of productivity.

Watson was so slow with his dropback and decision-making, didn’t anticipate throws, and didn’t have a feel for the pocket, but...