5 Moore Observations: Cleveland Browns get big win over Steelers at home

You only have to go back two years to find the last Cleveland Browns victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers before Sunday’s 31-10 win. The Browns forced eight turnovers in that game (three interceptions, five fumbles), but were only able to beat the Steelers 20-14 with Charlie Batch at quarterback for Pittsburgh.

You have to go back to 2009 to find the last time Ben Roethlisberger suffered a defeat to the Browns in a 13-6 game played with a windchill of 10 degrees below zero.

Sunday’s win not only put the Browns over .500 with a record of 3-2, it forced the NFL to take notice about a team that is up and coming. In a must-win game, the Browns were able to adjust, pound the ball and make key plays at crucial points of the game.

Good teams overcome injuries and head coach Mike Pettine’s “next man up” philosophy worked on the offensive and defensive lines. The Browns did just that and won convincingly. It also changed the forecast of the ACF North, putting the Browns right in the thick of things with a favorably schedule ahead.

Here are 5 Moore Observations from Sunday’s win against the Steelers:

1. Beating the Steelers means more than you think

Before Sunday’s win, the Browns had beat the Steelers five times since returning to the NFL in 1999. In those five seasons, the Steelers failed to reach the playoffs. The average season win total for the Steelers when they fall to the Browns is 7.6. The average season win total for when the Browns beat the Steelers is four.

With an aging quarterback in Roethlisberger and a defense littered with injuries, the tide could be turning in the AFC North.

Big Ben fell to 18-2 against the Browns since entering the league in 2004. Beating the Steelers does not happen frequently.

Oct 12, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) throws the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports2. American Hoyer Story

Brian Hoyer continues to win over the fans of a franchise that just a few months ago wanted Johnny Manziel to be their starting quarterback. Winning changes everything.

Bouncing back from injury last season, Hoyer has played smart, effective, winning football through the first five games of this season. He’s thrown seven touchdown passes to one interception in 150 pass attempts. His receivers have helped him out, dropping only four passes to date.

Going into Monday’s game between the 49ers and Rams, Brian Hoyer ranks sixth in overall quarterback ratings, according to ProFootballFocus.com. He ranks above Russell Wilson, Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Eli Manning, to name a few.

Hoyer doesn’t have fantasy football stats that would make owners drool, but he wins and plays smart.

Facing a Pittsburgh defense that loves to attack and having to adjust to a new center in John Greco, who came in for an injured Alex Mack, Hoyer was able to handle the pressure.

When blitzed, Hoyer was six-for-eight for 169 yards and a touchdown. He thrives under pressure and is smart with his throws. Give credit to the offensive line and their pass blocking, giving Hoyer time to throw.

Hoyer had his best game as a pro Sunday. Beating the Steelers makes it that much sweeter.

3. Buster Skrine has best game in Browns uniform

Fans and the media have picked on Buster Skrine the last few years. From giving up big plays over the top to lack of coverage, Skrine has been comparable to a screen door.

He has changed the perception of his play this season.

Skrine was targeted 11 times against the Steelers, giving up only four receptions for 47 yards with 26 of those coming on a garbage touchdown to Lance Moore late in the game. Mix in the interception and three passes defended, and Skrine had a fine game Sunday.

While he isn’t Pro Bowl material, the key for Skrine is improving from the previous week. He’s had his ups and downs, but with Joe Haden having an awful season and Justin Gilbert still learning, Skrine has become less of a liability.

Overall, Skrine has been targeted 33 times and given up 21 complete passes for 267 yards and four touchdowns. The opposing quarterback rating when throwing Skrine’s way is 115.8. The numbers are not pretty, but he’s improving. That’s all you can ask for.

Oct 12, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Jordan Cameron (84) catches a touchdown pass against Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cortez Allen (28) during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports4. Welcome back, Jordan Cameron

Coming off a great season, Jordan Cameron started the 2014 campaign very slow. Having to sit out Week 2 against the Saints, Cameron has had to overcome injuries and not getting the ball thrown his way.

Going into Sunday’s game against Pittsburgh, Cameron was only targeted 13 times in three games, catching six passes for 103 yards and failing to reach the endzone.

He doubled his season production total Sunday, catching three passes for 102 yards and reaching the endzone. He made a key catch earlier in the game to set up the Browns first touchdown of the afternoon.

The Browns will need more out of Cameron, and his game against Pittsburgh should bea huge confidence booster.

5. Next man up

With Phil Taylor, Billy Winn and Ahtyba Rubin all inactive Sunday, the Browns defensive line had to rely on a few players that haven’t seen the field much in 2014.

Going into Sunday’s game, John Hughes (16) and Ishmaa’ily Kitchen (4) had played only 20 snaps through the first four games. Both men saw a lot of time on the line, playing a total of 101 snaps.

Both played well against the rush and pass, with Hughes earning a sack. Armonty Bryant was injured, so snaps will continue to come Kitchen and Hughes’ way.

Winn has not played well so far this season, but with the line depleted, he will have to improve in order to keep the men in the trenches fresh.

Alex Mack broke a bone in his leg and will be out for the reminder of the season. Greco moved over from right guard to fill in for Mack and did an average job. Paul McQuistan came in to play right guard and had trouble with pass protection at times.

Another week of practice for Greco and McQuistan at their new positions will help. But the loss of Alex Mack will hurt the offensive line that gained a lot of positive attention this season.

Moore Thoughts: Love the way Isaiah Crowell runs, but his ball security scares me…Pettine laid the law down on Terrance West, which means West needs to practice better to get on the field…Karlos Dansby had a great game with eight tackles and a sack…Joe Thomas continues to run block well, putting together productive back-to-back games…I would be happy with a 5-3 record after the next three winnable games (Jaguars, Raiders, Buccaneers).