Despite the Steelers’ tough loss to the Browns, here are three things fans shouldn’t be overreacting to this week.

The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a surprising defeat against the Cleveland Browns in Week 12, falling to a team they were expected to beat. This loss marked their third of the season, but despite outplaying the Browns in many statistical categories, the Steelers couldn’t capitalize on key opportunities. As a result, the Steelers’ fanbase has been reacting strongly to the loss, with many calling for changes that may not be necessary. Let’s break down three overreactions that fans should avoid in the aftermath of this game.

1. “The Steelers Are Wasting Mike Williams”

One of the most common frustrations following the loss was the perceived underutilization of Mike Williams, who had been acquired midseason. Williams, despite a promising start with a touchdown in his debut, has struggled to find his rhythm with the Steelers. Fans are particularly upset that he hasn’t made a bigger impact while other players, like Van Jefferson, continue to get more opportunities.

However, it’s important to clarify that Williams, although a potential upgrade over Jefferson, isn’t going to suddenly return to his former elite status. His role is gradually increasing, and he even out-snapped Jefferson in the Cleveland game. While midseason trades rarely work out as expected, Williams is still adjusting to his new team and system. The Steelers are not “wasting” him, and with time, his involvement should continue to grow, though it might not be a sudden transformation.

2. “Myles Garrett Is Out of Line”

Another storyline that emerged from the loss was the verbal exchange between Myles Garrett of the Browns and T.J. Watt of the Steelers. Fans quickly rallied behind Watt, feeling that Garrett’s comments after the game were unnecessary, especially since he had outperformed Watt on the field during this game. Many Steelers fans were quick to jump to Watt’s defense, claiming Garrett was out of line.

However, Garrett was well within his right to make the remarks he did. When a player dominates a game the way Garrett did, especially in a head-to-head comparison with another standout player like Watt, trash talk is part of the competitive nature of the game. Watt should take this as motivation to perform even better moving forward. Garrett won the battle this time, but Watt can still win the war with a strong rest of the season.

3. “Steelers Showed Their True Colors”

After the loss to Cleveland, some fans began to claim that the Steelers had shown their “true colors” — that they were an overrated team that couldn’t handle pressure. However, this kind of thinking is based on a classic overreaction. Yes, the loss was frustrating, but it didn’t reveal any new issues that were already known.

The Steelers’ performance wasn’t necessarily indicative of their overall season performance. They outplayed the Browns in most key statistical areas but struggled to score when it mattered. While AFC North games are always tough, it’s not unexpected for the Steelers to drop a divisional matchup now and then. With a long break ahead and a chance to regroup, they’ll have another shot at the Bengals in Week 13. This loss doesn’t mean the sky is falling — it’s simply part of the ebbs and flows of the season.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let the Loss Define the Season

It’s understandable to feel disappointed after a loss, especially to a divisional rival like the Browns. But reacting to the game with extreme takes isn’t helpful for the Steelers or their fanbase. Mike Williams is adjusting to a new system, Garrett’s comments are part of the game, and this loss doesn’t spell doom for the team’s playoff chances. With a little time to recover, the Steelers can bounce back and prove that they still have what it takes to meet the high expectations set for them this season.