4 Steelers to watch against the Browns on Thursday Night Football

The Cleveland Browns need to wash away the losing stench from Sunday’s loss to the Jets. Luckily they get to turn the page quickly, facing the Steelers on Thursday Night Football. Here are four Steelers to watch out for.

Thursday night cannot come soon enough for the Cleveland Browns. After one of the more devastating regular season losses in recent history, the Browns are fortunate that they get to turn the page quickly. The type of loss that Cleveland endured against the Jets is the kind of loss that could define a season — if they fail to put it behind them.

With four days to prepare for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Browns have an opportunity to get the taste of heartbreak out of their mouths. The Steelers come into Cleveland with the same record as the Browns. The winner of this Thursday Night Football game will, at minimum, share first place in the AFC North. Here are four Steelers to keep your eye on when the teams take the field on Thursday.

Here are 4 Steelers to watch against the Browns on Thursday Night Football

Player to watch No. 4: Pat Freiermuth

The Browns have a longstanding history of not being able to cover tight ends, especially tight ends within the AFC North. Enter Pat Freiermuth. In Freiermuth, the Steelers have a young ascending tight end with the physical makeup and ball skills to be among the best at his position.

Due to the quarterbacking style of Mitchell Trubisky, Freiermuth is essential to the success of the Steelers’ offense. Trubisky has struggled to push the ball vertically so far this season and has leaned heavily into getting Freiermuth involved. Fortunately for the Steelers, Freiermuth’s skills make him perfect for a phone booth type of approach.

This season Freiermuth has caught nine of his 17 targets for 97 yards and a touchdown through two games. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound second-year tight end has a knack for making contested catches, especially in the red zone. The Browns’ safeties and linebackers will have their hands full in short-yardage situations with Freiermuth.

If they can maintain a constant pass rush, the Steelers may be forced to keep Freiermuth in to help contend with Myles Garrett (assuming he suits up). But if the Browns allow Trubisky and Steelers to operate their quick game, then Freiermuth will be a name that will be called early and often on Thursday Night.