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The Cleveland Browns have found enough late-game answers to win the last two weeks, but Thursday night’s AFC North matchup presents a more immediate problem: protecting quarterback Deshaun Watson and running the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers’ imposing front.
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Locked On Browns host Spencer German called the Steelers’ defensive line Cleveland’s biggest concern entering the short-week game, particularly as the Browns have struggled to establish the run early this season. Pittsburgh has the personnel to make the night difficult in both phases of Cleveland’s offense, with outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith supplying edge pressure and defensive linemen Derrick Harmon and Keeanu Benton providing mass inside.
Locked On Browns guest Lance Reisland said Cleveland cannot simply try to run directly into that group. He expects the Browns to help their tackles with chip blocks, use movement to force Pittsburgh’s larger interior defenders to work laterally, and keep Watt from dictating the game with a steady diet of protection adjustments and runs designed away from the middle.
That puts added weight on Watson’s decision-making. Watson has completed 56 of 82 passes for 587 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception through three games, while adding 105 rushing yards. Reisland argued that the Cleveland offense does not need its quarterback to carry every possession; it needs him to extend drives, take available underneath throws and capitalize when the defense gives him opportunities downfield.
Cleveland can also look for matchups outside. Reisland identified Steelers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. as a potential target and pointed to Browns wide receivers Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion Jr. as players who could create problems if the offensive line can give routes enough time to develop.
The Browns’ recent fourth-quarter execution has quieted some of the immediate questions around Watson, but the Steelers offer a different test than Carolina. If Cleveland cannot stay ahead of the chains or protect its quarterback, the progress from the past two weeks will be harder to sustain in a division game built around field position and pressure.
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Cleveland hosts Pittsburgh at Huntington Bank Field at 8:15 p.m. ET. The Browns enter the game with a chance to turn their recent resilience into a defining early-season win in the division. But their offensive line must first keep the Steelers’ front from taking control.
Browns News and Notes
– Watson’s fourth-quarter play against the Panthers in Week 3 reinforced his standing as the starter, German said. The Browns still need more consistent early-down offense, but the immediate focus has shifted from a possible quarterback change to sustaining what is working.
– Cleveland’s defense will again carry a major assignment against Steelers running back Jaylen Warren. Reisland called Warren the Pittsburgh offense’s key because of his downhill rushing, pass protection, and receiving ability out of the backfield.
– Defensive lineman Mason Graham helped lead the pressure effort against Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, and Reisland credited cornerback Denzel Ward with limiting Carolina receiver Tetairoa McMillan (2 receptions, 17 yards). Another complete defensive performance would give the Browns more room to manage Thursday’s offensive matchup.
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More on the Cleveland Browns
- Cleveland Adds two Players to Practice Squad on Tuesday
- Cleveland Browns Practice Report for Tuesday, September 29 Week 4
- Steelers-Browns Week 4 Tuesday Injury Report: Latest Updates and Analysis
- Deshaun Watson Puts Cleveland Browns’ QB Debate on Hold, but Test Is Coming
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This story was originally published September 29, 2026 at 9:13 PM.