Why Steelers pass rush is set up for huge game against Browns

The Steelers (6-3) go back on the road in Week 11 to face their divisional rival Browns (6-3). Here are three reasons Pittsburgh's pass rush should have a dominant game and propel it to its third straight AFC North win.

Backup offensive tackles

Cleveland lost right tackle Jack Conklin to a torn ACL and MCL in Week 1 and placed left tackle Jedrick Wills on injured reserve last week. But now promising rookie right tackle Dawand Jones seems to be on track to miss another week with shoulder and knee injuries. 

If Jones is inactive once again, the Browns will have to rely on two backups at the most important positions on the offensive line. Geron Christian, a third-round pick by Washington in 2018, would likely play at left tackle while James Hudson III, a fourth-round pick by Cleveland in 2021, would play at right tackle. Linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith should have a field day.

Rookie quarterback

The Browns announced on Wednesday that QB Deshaun Watson will miss the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury and are planning to start rookie QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson for at least the short term.

The fifth-round pick by Cleveland has played in a few games this season but has been far from impressive. Thompson-Robinson has thrown for 130 yards, zero touchdowns, and three interceptions. The rookie will make mistakes and Watt and Highsmith are surely looking to take advantage of every one.

Bounce back week

The Steelers pass rush was almost nonexistent in their Week 10 win against the Packers as Watt recorded the lone sack of the game. It was certainly out of character for Pittsburgh's defense, which prides itself on getting to the quarterback early and often.

So, it would be very surprising if a similar scenario played out this week, especially given the two previous reasons. The Steelers pass rush must bounce back and play a large role in getting the win in this important AFC North matchup.