A three-touchdown performance last week had Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb riding high before the team’s defensive implosion. Now set to take their division rival Pittsburgh Steelers after a short week of preparation, Chubb reflected on his opponents’ consistency and meticulous roster construction on defense that makes them so hard to beat.
He told reporters this week that this matchup is no different than in years past, and pointed to their sense of urgency and pace as characteristics that will present the Browns with some adversity on offense.
“The same thing as every year,” Chubb explained. “They are a great unit up front. They have great players. A very physical, a very fast team. They are a great team, especially on defense. It will be a challenge for us like every time we play them, but we look forward to it.”
This biannual meeting has been a staple of AFC North football for generations, and their first matchup of 2022 is anything but short on intrigue. Both teams will be starting bridge quarterbacks, and after the better part of a decade of dominance in the division by Pittsburgh, it seems ripe for a change of the guard this season.
Cleveland is looking to become a true playoff contender this year, and Thursday’s game will be their first opportunity to put themselves in a position to secure a post-season berth via their divisional standing. After two weeks, they are tied for first place, and with a win would have full control of the top spot.
This chance to control their own destiny moving forward has the potential to be a boon for the young team. If they can stay on the same page and execute on both sides of the ball against Pittsburgh, the Browns be primed for more success as the season wears on, and could develop into a formidable opponent against even the most seasoned teams in the conference.
