The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the midst of the 2024 regular season, and with it being the team’s latest game fans’ hopes remain high heading into the final stretch of the season. The hope is there is a winning performance on the horizon on Sunday in Week 14 when the team hosts the Cleveland Browns.

What exactly do the Steelers need to do to on defense to claim their tenth victory of 2024? Let’s break it down…

Defense

Pressure the QB

The last time the Steelers and Browns played in Week 12 the Steelers mustered just one sack. Heading into that game the Browns had surrendered the most sacks of any team in the NFL. They still hold that distinction prior to Week 14, but the Steelers need to be disruptive in their pass rush. The key isn’t just sacking Jameis Winston, but pressuring him early and often. Last week was a great example of how the Steelers defense didn’t have some ridiculous sack party, but pressured Joe Burrow. In that game the Steelers had 4 sacks, but 11 QB Hits. If they can duplicate that stat line vs. Cleveland they will likely be on their way to creating turnovers and stopping drives.

Take it Away

Speaking of turnovers, the Steelers lead the NFL in takeaways so far in 2024 with 25 takeaways. Their 13 INTs and 12 FRs are not a fluke this late in the season. Sometimes takeaways can come in batches, with periods of drought in this department; however, this has been proven to be false for the Steelers in 2024. Their takeaway trend is just that, a trend, and if they can take advantage of Jameis Winston’s mistakes, which we know he will make, they will afford the offense plenty of opportunities to add to their point total.

Bend, Don’t Break

This is the NFL, and the Browns proved two weeks ago how any team can win at any time. Even though the Browns offense is averaging 18.2 points per game, they have shown with Winston at quarterback they can move the football. The key will be for the Steelers defense to not allow touchdowns. In Week 12 the Browns were aggressive in going for it on 4th downs, and they were successful in those areas. The Steelers defense can make a stand when it matters most, holding the Browns to field goals, the offense should be able to do the rest and make plays necessary for victory.

I talk about this, and MUCH more on the “Let’s Ride”, and you can hear that podcast in the player below this article. In the meantime, be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the team as they gear up for game time!