AP Photo Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL game against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday in Cleveland.
PITTSBURGH — It wasn’t just the yard line that was lost in the early winter squall that swept in from Lake Erie and turned Huntington Bank Stadium into a snow globe Thursday night.
of “Just good vibes” The mentality that kept the Pittsburgh Steelers playing solid, if not exactly spectacular, football for more than two months disappeared in a 24-19 loss to last-place Cleveland.
Covering all the classic elements over three eventful hours “Trap Game” The Steelers (8-3) wanted to avoid the typical aftertaste of regret and missed opportunities.
Wide receiver George Pickens engaged in a mixed martial arts style exchange with an opposing defensive back, but there was a little immaturity…again.
Frustration arose when normally stoic defensive tackle Cam Heyward vented after the game about being stopped from making crucial snaps.
There was an ounce, maybe even an ounce, of confusion on the part of the coaching staff who seemed unable to decide whether to accept the Browns’ late penalty, but the defense couldn’t line up right afterward and called for a valuable timeout. Things got even worse.
There was some interesting game planning, including bringing in backup quarterback Justin Fields in high-leverage situations, such as a third-and-six with less than five minutes left with the game still in the balance. It was included. The strategy that worked beautifully in last Sunday’s emotional win over Baltimore was clearly more complicated this time around.
Add it all up and it’s Pittsburgh’s fifth loss in its last seven trips to Cleveland, missing out on a chance to move closer to its first AFC North title in four years.
“We have a lot of football left.” quarterback Russell Wilson said. “We have a lot of opportunities to respond in the best way and at the highest level. I think everything we want is still in front of us.”
But the team that was one of the league’s big surprises couldn’t avoid missteps, reminding us that despite all the good things they’ve done recently, the Steelers are still a work in progress.
“It’s very depressing.” outside linebacker TJ Watt said. “We need to finish games and we weren’t able to do that tonight. It’s disappointing that we couldn’t hold on, but a loss is a loss.”
what is working
Wilson’s Moon Ball. Despite falling snow and rapidly deteriorating conditions, Wilson hit the ball fearlessly. Wilson averaged 12.9 yards per completion, including deep shots to Pickens, Van Jefferson, and Calvin Austin III, ending with Austin’s 23-yard flip into the end zone to give the Steelers the lead late in the game. Gave.
If Wilson has shown anything in his first five starts, it’s that the situation doesn’t matter: score, down, time left, weather.
He throws it when and where he wants, regardless of the situation.
things that need help
The final offensive numbers were good: 368 yards and 35 minutes of possession. But the vision test was another matter.
The batting line struggled to protect Wilson, allowing four sacks and was unable to generate a push in key moments. Pittsburgh averaged less than 3 yards per carry on the ground when Fields took a 30-yard sprint.
With less than five minutes left, the Steelers had possession and knew they could win with a couple of first downs. So a half-hearted run and then one ill-advised pass down the sideline by Fields forced Pittsburgh to punt and swing momentum one last time.
stock up
Outside linebacker Nick Herbig is just as impressive or better than TJ Watt when healthy. Midway through the fourth quarter, Herbig strip-sacked Jameis Winston, setting up Austin’s first touchdown. Herbig had 3 1/2 sacks and three forced fumbles despite missing four games with a hamstring injury.
Out of stock
Pickens gets angry, especially when things don’t go his way. The third-year wideout appeared in public for the third time in two months, tangled with Browns cornerback Greg Newsome III after a last-gasp Hail Mary fell incomplete. It caused a shockingly violent outburst.
The NFL fined Pickens more than $10,000 after he grabbed Dallas defensive back Jordan Lewis by the mask shortly after a loss in October. Two weeks ago, Pickens and Washington’s Mike Sainristil exchanged punches after an interception.
The volatile Pickens is Pittsburgh’s best playmaker. But with the stakes likely to rise in the coming weeks, he will need to keep his emotions in check if he wants to ensure he stays on the field.
injury
Pittsburgh could have starting outside linebacker Alex Highsmith (ankle) back when they visit Cincinnati on Dec. 1. Highsmith has missed the last two games this season and five games total.
key number
0-8 — Head coach Mike Tomlin’s career record on the road for Thursday night games against AFC North opponents.
next step
Rest and prepare for the final preparations, starting with a visit to the underperforming but still dangerous Bengals. Pittsburgh won the season series from Cincinnati last year.
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