On The Mark 1.4.16: #Browns v. #Steelers Recap

Another year, another loss to the Steelers who beat the Browns 28-12, advance to playoffs
By @MarkW2112


The Cleveland Browns, on what became Mike Pettine's last game as head coach, were soundly defeated by the Pittsburgh Steelers, 28-12. Austin Davis started and was, for the most part, played OK, but was under pressure most of the game and finished 24-of-46 passing with 2 interceptions and no touchdowns.

Isiah Crowell and Duke Johnson were somewhat effective but not used nearly enough since the Steelers defense stacked the line knowing that there was no chance Davis could beat them. Crowell had 53 yards rushing on 15 carries while Johnson had 11 yards rushing and 34 passing yards. Gary Barnidge led all receivers with 66 yards. The Browns offense got to the red zone 4 times but couldn't score touchdowns, only field goals.

On the other end, Ben Roethelisberger had no problems passing the ball, going 24-of-36 for 349 yards, 187 of those yards going to Antonio Brown, 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. The Browns defensive secondary was MIA once again with Big Ben having his way all day.

My take: Jimmy Haslam has torched the entire organization and starting from scratch. Head coach Mike Pettine, GM Ray Farmer and President Alec Scheiner are all gone and new people will be brought in, including new executive VP of football operations, Sashi Brown. The only issue is who wants to come to a toxic situation like the Browns? For us Browns fans, this is going to be another long offseason with a lot of anger and disappointment with who is hired and which players leave the Browns. It's very possible the Browns may be even worse next year.

People of the game: Those poor Browns fans who stuck around to see Steelers fans cheering the fact that their team was going to the playoffs once again.

Next for the Browns: The unknown as the Browns will have the #2 pick in the draft and lose many players like Alex Mack and possibly Joe Thomas.

As a side note, it's been fun writing once more for Triple Threat Cleveland. Hope to see you next season!