CLEVELAND BROWNS VS PITTSBURGH STEELERS INSTANT REACTION: defensive struggle; DTR roller coaster

The Cleveland Browns entered a Week 11 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers without Deshaun Watson or Nick Chubb, who were both recovering from season ending injuries.

That thrust DTR & Jerome Ford into the starting lineup, and both performed admirably in the first half.

DTR threw for 98 yards in the first 30 minutes, but most importantly, did NOT turn the ball over. DTR looked pretty damn good from the eye test, but wasn't asked to do too much. It appeared to be the perfect game plan for a rookie QB making his 2nd career start.

Ford scored the only touchdown of the first half after Kevin Stefanski challenged a third down run attempt that was ruled short of the end zone on the field, but later overturned after review. Ford finished the half with 35 yards on the ground.

The Browns defense absolutely dominated Kenny Pickett and the Steelers, holding the team to just 34 passing yards in 30 minutes of play. 

It's the fewest passing yards Pickett has ever had in the first half of his short career.

Myles Garrett had a sack and a half, as did Ogbo Okoronkwo, who became a father on Saturday. 

At the half, the Browns led the Steelers 10-0 and were in total control.

In the second half, Jaylen Warren busted out a 74 yard touchdown run to make it 10-7. 

Then, after a DTR interception, the Steelers tacked on another FG to tie the game with 7 minutes to play.

The winner of this game improves to 7-3 on the season. The loser falls to 6-4.

Subscribe and ring the bell for the latest talk about the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Guardians, Cleveland Cavaliers and Ohio State Buckeyes: https://bit.ly/ucss_subscribe

Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ultclesports

Watch live on YouTube 11 a.m.-1 p.m. weekdays on YouTube and WKYC+ on your Roku and Fire TV apps!

The Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show is your daily source of the best conversation about the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Guardians, Cleveland Cavaliers and Ohio State Buckeyes, as well as sports throughout Northeast Ohio. Hosted by Jay Crawford, Adam the Bull, G Bush, Tyvis Powell & Mikey McNuggets.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices