Browns: 4 good and 2 bad from the playoff clinching win against the Steelers

The Bad

The defense couldn’t stop Mason Rudolph

While the defense was gutted, the Pittsburgh offense isn’t good, at all. Made worse is the fact that their main offensive catalyst, Ben Roethlisberger was out for the game and backup Mason Rudolph was taking control. Rudolph wasn’t that big of a threat but three times in the game, when the Browns needed a stop, Rudolph would heave a pass that had no business finding its mark, only to do just that, setting up a huge place. This was a lot easier on Rudolph as the Browns were down to a cornerback who had only had several snaps all year in Robert Jackson. The Steelers picked on him all game and he gave up a majority of the big passing plays. It’ll be a bit different when Denzel Ward is back.

Kevin Stefanski’s play-calling and roster management

Kevin Stefanski has a desire to get cute for some reason when he’s calling plays. Last week sure, you could defend throwing the ball as often as you did because Nick Harris and Kendrick Lamm couldn’t get anyone off the block. Harris was so bad he wasn’t even dressed for the Steelers game. That wasn’t the case this time around, however. The offensive line was healthy and on several 3rd and three situations, Stefanski threw the ball. Despite Nick Chubb averaging 7.7 yards-per-carry. Stefanski also opted to run Kareem Hunt out there for several entire series. Hunt has proven he’s not on Chubb’s level or is even close, and his desire to stop and throw himself into defenders instead of trying to run around or through them has proven to be a huge point of contention for many fans. Chubb’s not a relief pitcher, you don’t need to hold him to 15 carries or less. Chubb should be given the opportunity to control a game on his own.