Steelers Need To Take Advantage Of Discovered Weakness In The Browns' Defense And Exploit Devin Bush

The Pittsburgh Steelers, like every other NFL team, have to face former teammates occasionally. These meetings are toughest when that former teammate goes to a division rival. The Steelers were on both sides of that coin when they played the Baltimore Ravens. Patrick Queen came as a free agent during the 2024 offseason, while Diontae Johnson ended up in Baltimore after being traded to the Carolina Panthers. During the upcoming rematch against the Cleveland Browns, they will face one of the most polarizing Steelers in recent years, but this time, they plan to exploit him. 

In 2019, the Steelers did something they rarely do: they traded way up in the NFL Draft, from 20th to 10th overall, with the Denver Broncos to select linebacker Devin Bush. Now, in his first season with the Browns, Bush is likely hoping to tee off on his old team. 

In the Steelers-Browns Week 12 game, Cleveland won 24-19. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin made some strange decisions during that game. They also tried in vain to run the ball, and according to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Chris Carter, they figured out the formula for beating Cleveland a little too late. He told the 93.7 The Fan Morning Show that he believes they have the answer this time, and part of it involves exploiting Bush. 

"They sorta realized a little late in the game, hey, they cannot guard Pat Freiermuth," said Carter. "If Greg Newsome is on him, Pat Freiermuth is just bullying him off the line. If Devin Bush is on him, good luck guarding him. I think that Russell Wilson, last week, showed you that he can hit everyone in the Steelers offense and they can move the ball."

Bush had six tackles during their first matchup, and Greg Newsome II had three. Carter believes Pat Freiermuth, at 6'5 ", is a powerful mismatch against Bush, who is 5'11". He thinks this offense will be much more aggressive than before, and the full week of practice will be beneficial.  

When the Steelers drafted Bush, he seemed exactly what the team had been looking for since Ryan Shazier's tragic injury. He had an outstanding rookie season and was a finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Unfortunately, in 2021, he tore his ACL in the Week 6 game against the Browns. When he finally returned, he was never quite the same. In 2022, the Steelers declined his fifth-year option, and he became a free agent, signing with the Seattle Seahawks, where he spent a single season primarily playing as a backup. The Browns signed him to a one-year contract for the 2024 season, and he has one sack and 57 tackles in 12 games.

Steelers' Defense United Under "Get Better Plan"

It wasn't just the Steelers' offense that struggled in Cleveland during the last game. The defense also had a questionable performance. They recognize that they need to improve if they want to beat this dangerous Browns offense in Week 14.

While fans are hoping for a reckoning in this game, the defense told the media that Tomlin has drilled into them this is about "getting better" not "getting back." They are not heading to a game worried about revenge, they are focused on improvement. 

Both Joey Porter Jr., who had his share of struggles in the recent win over the Cincinnati Bengals, and Payton Wilson explained the plan for Cleveland. This will be critical since quarterback Jameis Winston is auditioning for a job for 2025, and the Browns need a win to maintain a slight chance at the postseason.  

What do you think about the Freiermuth - Bush matchup? Click to comment below. 

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