The Cleveland Browns shot themselves in the foot time and time again in Week 8. They weren't prepared, and the Pittsburgh Steelers looked to make a statement from the very first play of the game.
Ultimately, the Browns left Pittsburgh with a 21-point loss that could've been more lopsided had it not been for their goal-line defense. It was sloppy execution on both sides of the ball, and one to put in the rearview mirror immediately.
Todd Monken and his coaching staff also had plenty of lessons to learn from this humbling setback. At least, they now know the four biggest questions this team must answer right now.
Cleveland's ugly Week 8 loss revealed where the Browns still have the most work to do
Is the running game fixable?
The Nov. 10 trade deadline is looming, and while Quinshon Judkins isn't the only reason why the Browns' running game is struggling, he shares some of the responsibility.
So is this a scheme issue? Is it the blocking? Is it the running back?
Whatever the case, the Browns averaged a pedestrian 2.3 yards per carry in this one, with no attempt going beyond 7 yards. The negative game script didn't help, but the Browns are averaging just 106.7 rushing yards per game.
How can the Browns play disciplined football?
The Browns seemed more focused on talking than playing at times on Sunday, and it came back to haunt them. They've accumulated more than 20 penalties in two games against the Steelers, and while divisional rivalries are fierce, that's just not smart or winning football.
Monken's team drew nine penalties for a loss of 85 yards on Sunday, including two 15-yard taunting flags while down three scores. The Browns have enough trouble moving the chains as it is to keep going backward because of avoidable issues and unforced errors.
What's going on with Denzel Boston?
Boston has had a couple of tough games, but that might not necessarily be on him. Quarterback Deshaun Watson is staring him down on almost every target, and defenses are adjusting.
Boston had just three catches on eight targets last week, and he had six catches on 11 targets for 37 yards in this loss.
The rookie is an impressive playmaker, and he nearly made a highlight grab in the end zone down 21 points. So what's the problem here? Is Watson just missing him? The rookie is too talented to be this little involved in the offense.
Can the Browns stop the run for a change?
The Browns' defense has been solid this season. It gives up the sixth-fewest passing yards (201.7) and the 12th-fewest points (20.9), but the Browns just can't seem to stop the run. They're allowing 116.4 rushing yards per game, which ranks 20th in the league.
The Browns' run defense made Jaylen Warren look like Barry Sanders out there. The Steelers running back tormented them for 143 yards on 8.4 yards per carry, including a 51-yard explosive play.
The Steelers ran for over 200 yards on the Browns. You won't win many games when that happens.
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