Though the Steelers are well on their way to an AFC North title, Pittsburgh quarterback Russell Wilson realizes there is still plenty of work to do.
Wilson is starting to feel like he might be part of something special as the Steelers prepare for a meeting with the host Cleveland Browns on Thursday night, but he also doesn’t want Pittsburgh to get ahead of itself.
“I definitely think that we have a chance (to make a deep playoff run),” said Wilson, who has played in two Super Bowls. “I think the biggest thing for us is continuing to just take each week as the most important week of it all.
“I think that it’s not really even just the week, it’s just the day, it’s just the moments in between. I think the greatest teams, the greatest players, in any sport, especially the teams I’ve been on, is the moment — it’s never too far away. It’s right here, right now. And you’re just locked into that.”
The Steelers (8-2) have certainly been locked in. They are currently riding a five-game winning streak, most recently edging the Baltimore Ravens 18-16 on Sunday.
Chris Boswell booted six field goals against Baltimore, while Wilson completed 23 of 36 passes for 205 yards and an interception.
Meanwhile, Cleveland (2-8) continues to go through the wringer. The Browns ended up on the wrong end of a 35-14 blowout while facing the host New Orleans Saints on Sunday, marking their seventh loss in the past eight games.
Cleveland now has to go up against one of the most unforgiving defenses in the league. Browns quarterback Jameis Winston is determined to direct a fundamentally sound performance against Pittsburgh, which allows the second-fewest points per game in the NFL (16.2).
“It’s precision passing. Getting the ball out on time. Elite operation and just doing our job. It’s the simple things,” Winston said. “This team (the Steelers) is not going to try and fool you. They’re going to line up and say, ‘Give us your best, we’re going to give you our best.'”
Winston threw for 395 yards and two touchdowns on 30-for-46 passing in the setback against New Orleans, with Jerry Jeudy hauling in six catches for 142 yards and a score. Star running back Nick Chubb continued to struggle since his return from a knee injury that cut his 2023 season short, finishing with 50 yards on 11 carries.
Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski is looking forward to the challenge that Pittsburgh presents.
“Great challenge playing the Steelers on Thursday night,” Stefanski said. “Well-coached team, great players on offense, defense and special teams, so we have to have a great week here to get ready for that game.”
The Browns could be without standout defensive end Myles Garrett, who missed practice on Tuesday because of a hip injury. Wide receiver Elijah Moore (shoulder), guard Joel Bitonio (pectoral) and cornerbacks Denzel Ward (ribs/ankle) and Greg Newsome II (shoulder) were among those limited during the session.
Linebacker Alex Highsmith is dealing with an ankle issue and missed the Steelers’ practice on Tuesday. Cornerback Cory Trice Jr. (hamstring) participated in full.
