There comes a time in every Browns fan's life, when we are forced to accept one of the laws of the universe: This team isn't supposed to win or be consistently good.
They're supposed to blow big games like this. They're supposed to forever be the lovable, hard luck losers who try their best, but who end up breaking our hearts. But we support them anyway because we love them so much. We don't know what else to do, or how else to be. They're our Browns.
They're not supposed to slam the door shut. They're not supposed to beat Pittsburgh with clutch, game-winning drives. They're not supposed to set up a kicker who is absolute money. They're not supposed to hammer the final nail in the coffin for the Steelers.
But all that changed today. The Cleveland Browns defeated Pittsburgh in a classic battle that could very well be one of the better games in the history of this rivalry.
If Cleveland continues on their current path, this game will certainly be looked back on later, as one of the games that eventually helped lock up a Playoff berth. Or just maybe, it'll help the team capture their first Division title in 34 years.
But no matter what, it feels fantastic to beat the Steelers! How'd the Dawgs get it done today? Let's take a look at the Keys to Victory!
Lights out defense!
Minus the one big touchdown run ripped off by Steelers running back Jaylen Warren coming right out of the locker room, the Browns largely held the Steelers in check for most of the day. Pittsburgh already has had offensive struggles all season long. But at times they were compounded when facing one of the league's top defenses.
Cleveland held the Steelers to 249 total yards, held Kenny Pickett to 15-28 for 106 yards passing, and registered three sacks and four quarterback hits. They also held Pittsburgh to a combined 4-15 on third and fourth down.
Things got a little hairy late in the game, where the Browns gave up three straight third downs, and Pittsburgh was able to tie the game at 10 with a field goal. But like last week in Baltimore, this defense led by Myles Garret, was absolutely clutch when they had to have a stop.
Past Browns defenses would have folded like a cheap lawn chair under the pressure of finishing off the game. We've seen that horror movie countless times before. But like their leader who wears #95, this year's defense seems to be built just a little bit different. And they've led the Browns to their biggest wins this season. Add another one to the list!
It's DTR Time!
This game could go a long way toward helping Dorian Thompson-Robinson grow into a solid quarterback. The rookie now has a game-winning drive under his belt. We all saw his first start against Baltimore earlier in the season. He looked like he was in over his head, the Ravens ate him alive, and he could never really get anything going.
What a difference several weeks makes! Not only did he look solid for a rookie quarterback making his second career start, but he also made good decisions with the football most of the time, trusted his receivers, and managed the game well.
There were several drops by Browns receivers. But when Cleveland had to have a clutch play? DTR was able to get the job done. He was a perfect 4-4 for 39 yards on the Browns' game-winning drive, and overall, he finished the day 24-43 for 165 yards and an interception.
He can build on this one. It was nice to see the team get a win with him directing this offense, and it put a big smile on my face seeing DTR get emotional after Hopkins' game-winner sailed through the uprights. That's how a passionate competitor reacts. This kid's a gamer. Time to ride with the rookie the rest of the way!
Clutch Special Teams!
I don't think I've ever listed the Browns' special teams unit as one of the Keys to Victory in an article before. But they certainly deserve it here. I'm sure Browns Special Teams Coach Ray "Bubba" Ventrone is beaming over how his unit performed today!
Dustin Hopkins was a perfect 2-2 on field goals today, including the game-winner from 34 yards out. He sent that baby right down Euclid. There was no doubt about it! It's becoming clearer and clearer every week that the Browns got an absolute steal, and that the Chargers let a hidden gem slip through their fingers.
Cleveland only traded a 7th round pick for Hopkins. And this was after the Chargers decided to go with someone else as their kicker. The Browns basically got him for free. And he's had a hand in at least three of the team's seven victories...while the Chargers sit at 4-6. I hope he keeps this up, and is with us for the rest of his career. Not sure if Hop will ever touch Phil Dawson or Lou Groza territory, but he's certainly endearing himself to this Browns fanbase!
Corey Bojorquez has been an underrated weapon in the field position game as well. He punted eight times today, for an average of 47.5 yards per punt, had a long of 65 yards, and he pinned the Steelers inside the 20 three times. He helped the Browns flip the field several times, and often put the defense in fantastic positions to succeed against a Steelers offense that was already struggling this season. He had a huge hand in the game today!
Up next, the Browns travel to Denver to take on the 4-5 Broncos. They should win that one, but Denver did upset the Bills earlier, and they'll no doubt be upset-minded when they face Cleveland too.
The Browns are staring a fantastic opportunity right in the face. If they win, they'll get to 8-3, notch their sixth win in seven games, and string together their fourth win in a row.
There was a time when I thought the Browns lucked out on a couple of these wins. But after back-to-back clutch wins over the Ravens and Steelers, they've made a believer out of me.
This team is just finding ways to win. That's what good, stout football teams do. And they're still firmly in the race for January. If you haven't done so yet, jump on and join the ride, Dawg Pound. There's plenty of room. Take a seat next to the Animal!
GO BROWNS!
Statistical Leaders
Dorian Thompson-Robinson: 24-43, 165 yards, INT.
Kareem Hunt: 12 carries, 36 yards
Elijah Moore: 6 receptions, 60 yards
Source: ESPN
Picture Credit: clutchpoints.com
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