5 Studs and duds from Cleveland Browns loss to Steelers in Week 6

Stud: Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon, EDGE

There wasn’t much “good” from the game on Sunday, but there was one position that continued to play well. That position is the defensive line. While there is a lot of money tied up on the Browns front four on defense, they have lived up to expectations. Both Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon made things difficult on Roethlisberger most of the day.

I know I know, the Browns defense gave up 38 points, but given the situation, they didn’t play bad as a group. Yes, the secondary had its flaws at times, but they were put in a ton of tough situations. Multiple interceptions and failed fourth-down conversions left the Steelers with multiple short fields that gave the Steelers easy chances to run the score up.

Also don’t forget, both Karl Joseph and Ronnie Harrison (safeties) missed this game, leaving the Browns with no depth at the position. Their rookie linebacker, Jacob Phillips, also missed the game. Although unproven, he had shown a lot of promise especially in pass coverage and was greatly missed as the linebackers struggled to make plays all day.

Although the defensive line was still solid on a day of terrible performances, they will have to be better to give the Browns a chance. It seems like a crazy ask, but if they don’t force turnovers, they will continue to struggle to get off the field.

Monday may be a day you just throw the tape away and move one, while there is usually something to find from the film, I’m not sure that is the case for this one.