Myles Garrett was undoubtedly taking note of Monday’s recreation between the Steelers and the Washington Soccer Workforce. After main 14-0, the beforehand undefeated Steelers fell to the Soccer Workforce, 23-17. Within the course of, the Steelers did not clinch a playoff berth whereas additionally making a gift of floor with their race with the Chiefs to win the AFC’s No. 1 seed. 

Garrett, the Cleveland Browns star cross rusher, understands the importance of Pittsburgh’s loss because it pertains to his workforce. Whereas the Steelers nonetheless have a two-game lead over the Browns within the AFC North, Garrett clearly believes that the Steelers’ loss has given the 9-3 Browns an opportunity to win their first division title since 1989. 

“Steelers might need opened the door,” Garrett write through Twitter whereas together with an eyeball emoji. 

Whereas the Steelers could have opened the door, the Browns have some work to do earlier than they might doubtlessly kick the door down. Cleveland, who misplaced to Baltimore in Week 1 by a rating of 38-6, will host the Ravens on Sunday. And whereas Baltimore is hovering simply above .500 this season, the Ravens shall be getting again Lamar Jackson, who will begin Tuesday evening’s recreation in opposition to the Cowboys after lacking Baltimore’s Week 12 loss to the Steelers. Cleveland will then head to New York for consecutive video games in opposition to the Giants (who’ve received 4 straight to maneuver into first place within the NFC East) and winless Jets earlier than internet hosting the Steelers. Pittsburgh will now start preparations to face the 9-3 Payments in Buffalo on Sunday. The Steelers will then head to Cincinnati to tackle the 2-9-1 Bengals earlier than internet hosting the 8-4 Colts. 

The Steelers received the primary matchup in opposition to the Browns, leaping out to a 24-0 lead en path to a 38-7 victory. James Conner rushed for his third profession 100-yard recreation in opposition to the Browns, whereas the Steelers’ protection took full benefit of a Browns’ offense that was enjoying with out working again Nick Chubb. Cleveland quarterback Baker Mayfield and receiver Jarvis Landry have been additionally enjoying by way of accidents, as each gamers have been pulled effectively earlier than the sport’s last whistle. 

Whereas their protection continues to be a piece in progress, the Browns’ offense has discovered a transparent id that is primarily based on the skills of Chubb and fellow working again Kareem Hunt. And whereas Cleveland’s offense is centered round its working backs, its success has helped open issues up for Mayfield, who threw 4 first half landing passes in final Sunday’s 41-35 win over the Tennessee Titans. 

The Steelers, in the meantime, are attempting to get their working recreation going after gaining simply 21 yards on 14 carries in Monday’s loss to Washington. Pittsburgh can be affected by a significant case of the drops, because the Steelers have dropped a league-high 31 passes. These points largely contributed to the Steelers’ first loss and, if they do not get fastened quickly, it may price Pittsburgh a division title if the Browns proceed to win soccer video games. 

One factor that appears sure is that the Steelers-Browns Week 17 showdown will imply one thing for each groups, one thing that was not the case in latest season-finales between the 2 groups. That is definitely factor for a rivalry that has been something however one over the previous 20 years. And after 1 / 4 century of futility, the Browns are on the doorstep of their first playoff berth since 2002. However the Browns are attempting to enter the playoffs as a division champion, not merely as a wild card workforce. 

“They should reset their expectations,” Mayfield not too long ago mentioned to the workforce’s fan base, through the New York Instances. “All of us must reset the usual, and that is what I have been saying. There is a new customary, there is a basis we have now to proceed to construct on and enhance. That is simply the best way we have to deal with issues.”