TNF Reaction: Close to What was Expected

For Cleveland, Nick Chubb had a solid night at the office, going over 100 yards rushing with a TD.  The fact that his career rushing yards per carry is over 5 is simply amazing.  Amari Cooper followed up last week’s solid success with his second 100 yard receiving game in a row (with another TD).  It is looking like Cooper can prove more useful than anticipated with Jacoby Brissett at the helm.  As for Kareem Hunt, 61 total yards was close to his 70ish total yard average with Cleveland over the last 2 plus years; he was just unable to get in the endzone.  As long as Chubb is healthy, Hunt is who he is.  He does not get enough touches to be a top 20 running back, but he does get enough time to be a serviceable RB3.  He is also a premier handcuff, as he is talented enough that he would be the starting running back on the majority of teams in the league.

For Pittsburgh, the offense still has the same issues.  Mitch Trubisky, thus far, has not unlocked the potential of the receiving corp, which has immense talent.  There is no guarantee that Trubisky’s backup, Kenny Pickett, could be the key, but at least there is a maybe with Pickett.  Until then, the only Pittsburgh receiver that can be viewed as serviceable is Diontae Johnson, and his ceiling will be limited.  All of this is affecting Najee Harris as well.  He has been able to overcome a lack of a deep passing game and sub-par offensive line play thus far in his career, mainly because he is simply good.  His 65 total yards was nothing special, but at least he was able to find the endzone.  As for Jaylen Warren, he is definitely a solid handcuff to Harris, though his ceiling would also be limited like Harris as long as the there is no change at the QB position.  Pat Freiermuth was able to salvage his night with 2 receptions for 41 yards (all after 3:08 left in the game).