The Pittsburgh Steelers have a knack for defying remarkable trends, and they did so once again in their loss to the Cleveland Browns. As highlighted by ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, the Steelers won the turnover battle by two, prevented a return touchdown, allowed fewer than two third-down conversions, and outgained the Browns. Historically, NFL teams had been undefeated (67-0) in such circumstances, but the Browns became the first to break that streak.
For the Steelers, this marks their second loss of the season despite having a positive turnover differential. They also had a +2 turnover advantage against the Dallas Cowboys, only to lose in a game-deciding drive by the Cowboys.
Reflecting on the losses, the Steelers dropped games to two underperforming teams—the Cowboys and Browns—that they could have and perhaps should have beaten. Despite winning the turnover battles in both contests, the Steelers now stand at 8-3 and still aim to contend for the AFC North title.
