Entering Sunday’s matchup at Heinz Field, there were a lot of false narratives floating around. There was the storyline continuing over from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ last game against the Cleveland Browns. Despite both Myles Garrett and Mason Rudolph not playing, many people were still focusing on the helmet swing. There was the one about Freddie Kitchens wearing a shirt. Despite that having nothing to do with the actual game, it was still the story going in.
Pittsburgh Steelers Win Over Cleveland Browns: The False Narratives Mean Nothing
Regardless of what the media was talking about, there was one storyline that actually mattered Sunday. The Steelers had an opportunity to knock a rival out of playoff contention. That proved to be the narrative that paid off, as Devlin Hodges led Pittsburgh to a 20-13 victory over the Browns.
The fact that Pittsburgh is now 7-5 and in a playoff spot is almost unfathomable. They have had quarterback issues all year. The offensive line is a year past its prime and has been up and down all year. The wide receivers and running backs have been devastated by injury. The offensive coordinator is still incompetent. Yet, insert an undrafted rookie from an FCS school and let him throw, and magically the offense has a spark.
Duck Hodges proved that a little confidence and willingness to let your receivers make plays goes a long way. The offense looked respectable for the first time in weeks. That type of effort is inspiring. Inspiring enough to allow the defense to keep on its roll.
The defense has been nothing short of stellar all year. Pittsburgh has them to thank for the team being where they are now. They stepped up again Sunday, allowing Pittsburgh to move another step closer to the playoffs.
Not to be overlooked as a major key to the team’s success has been Mike Tomlin. I’ve been a critic of Tomlin’s, but he has done a fantastic job this year. The defense has improved greatly since he took over, rendering Keith Butler next to useless. I wish Tomlin would do the same with the offense, but that’s not his forte. His challenges have gotten better, and he has made big decisions that have benefited the team.
The road to the playoffs is not easy for Pittsburgh, but they are in a good position. With the Tennessee Titans beating the Indianapolis Colts, they are the only other team at 7-5 in the hunt. This plays to Pittsburgh’s favor, as Tennessee faces the Oakland Raiders before two games with the Houston Texans and a matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, plays rookie quarterback Kyler Murray when they take on the Arizona Cardinals next week. They then return home to face the Buffalo Bills, which is looking like a more difficult match up by the week. Pittsburgh finishes with the hapless New York Jets and a showdown on the road with the Baltimore Ravens.
The way Pittsburgh is playing right now, their destiny is in their own hands. Even going 2-2 in their four remaining games might be enough. It’s crazy to expect this team to make the playoffs with everything they have gone through. But the fact that they are here and seem to be figuring things out gives the team hope of a playoff birth. If Pittsburgh continues to play the way they did Sunday, it’s possible. And if they get in, anything can happen.
Main Photo:
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 01: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Devlin Hodges (6) looks on during the NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 01, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
