Instant Takeaways from the Browns last-second win over the Steelers
· Yahoo Sports
The Cleveland Browns did it. In primetime, against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Browns held onto the win and are now atop the AFC North. And not only are they the leaders in the AFC North, but they are also the sole leader, which hasn't happened since 2014.
The Browns came out firing on all cylinders in the first half as they were up 21-10. In the second half, the Browns faltered a bit but got it together in the fourth quarter to add two field goals to their total, which was enough to fend off the Steelers. The final field goal came with 10 seconds left when they saw Andre Szmyt connect on a new career-long field goal from 56 yards out.
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The Browns' defense was the star of the show, but the attitude and approach from this coaching staff, led by Todd Monken and Mike Rutenberg, should be talked about more. The team is playing like they can win any game now, and that is scary for opposing teams and the fanbase equally.
Todd Monken is the best coach the Browns could have hired
The Cleveland Browns interviewed 10 coaches for their head coaching vacancy this offseason. Among them were new, young minds, as well as veteran coaches. They all had a shot that made sense for them to be hired, but ultimately they went with the veteran Todd Monken. He had never been a head coach in the NFL; there were questions after Week 1, but after tonight's win over the Steelers, he has answered them.
This team plays with the mindset of their coach. He is a goonie in that he never says die. They are in every game, and they believe they can win every game, and it translates into this team having his identity. Without him, I question if this team would be where they are atop the AFC North.
This defense remains in the NFL's top tier
When they traded away Myles Garrett, everyone, including myself, packed the bags of this defense. Against the Steelers, they showed, for the third week in a row, that they believe they are among the best units in the NFL. The Vikings are up there, the Rams with Garrett are in that tier, and the Browns are just as deserving. The job that defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg is doing is likely to earn him head coaching interviews next offseason, and deservedly so.
For now, the Browns can enjoy his mastermind working in their favor with the defensive front and pressures he can create.
Penalties are eventually going to catch up with this team
The penalties by game are as follows in 2026 for the Browns:
- Week 1: 11
- Week 2: 6
- Week 3: 12
- Week 4: 14
They are averaging a whopping 10.75 penalties per game right now and that ranks among the worst in the NFL. The team has an average win margin of 3.3 points. At that rate, the penalties are going to catch up with them. They have to get those cleaned up because this defense cannot afford to keep bailing them out. Against teams like the Ravens, Texans, Saints, or Bengals, they will make them pay. They do not need to make their job any easier for folks.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Instant Takeaways from the Browns last-second win over the Steelers