Browns: Steeler defense has not faced an offense as good as Cleveland’s yet

The Cleveland Browns have a chance to prove the Pittsburgh Steelers defense isn’t as good as critics like to claim when they meet in Week 6.

The Pittsburgh Steeler defense is being heralded for its great play so far. The pundits think so. The critics think so, even people who live in Pittsburgh think so. That’s cute. The fact is the Steelers defense looks good on paper only because they have faced a lot of bad offenses. The Browns are not a bad offense, a banged-up one, sure; but bad? No.

The Steelers are currently sixth in opponents points-per-game, second in rushing yards given up, and 14th in passing yards given up. Impressive on paper. In actuality, not so much. They’ve faced the Eagles, Broncos, Texans, and Giants so far. Offensively, how have those four fared?

The Texans are 9th in passing yards, but the Giants (28th), Broncos (27th), and Eagles (26th) don’t crack the top 25. Now, the Browns are 29th in passing yards, but hang on. For rushing, the Giants (32nd), Texans (30th), Broncos (29th), and Eagles (18th) don’t crack the top 15. For points-per-game, the Giants (31st), Broncos (28th), Texans (25th), and Eagles (23rd) don’t crack the top 20. For total yards per game, the Giants (30th), Broncos (29th), Eagles (28th), and Texans (22nd) don’t crack the top 20 again.

Arguably, it’s safe to say the four teams the Steelers have played are bad on offense. Are the Browns? While yes, they’re 29th in the league in passing yards, that’s out of a lack of need, not ability. They’re 14th in total yards, first in rushing yards and fourth in points scored. You really can’t compare the Browns to the past teams the Steelers defense has face. They’re by far the best team Pittsburgh has faced heading into Week 6.

The Browns may be banged up but when the offensive line works, it works better than any other in the NFL. Yeah, Baker Mayfield had a rough second half against the Colts, but he also dealt with more pressure than before thanks to few key issues on the offensive line. If the Browns can work D’Ernest Johnson into the game earlier, and limit the turnovers, the Steelers are going to be in trouble. The Browns are going to be the Steelers’ first real test all year and that’s the first time that’s been said in years.