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Browns' offensive line prepares to face Steelers' pass rush

Both Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt are top eight in the NFL in sacks this season

Sep 29, 2026 at 06:46 PM

Brian D'Aguanno

Staff Writer Intern

The Browns' offensive line understands the challenge in front of them entering their first divisional game of the season against the Steelers. And it's one that they are ready to face, as they prepare to take on a productive pass rush in Week 4.

While continuing to build chemistry and prioritize their strengths, the Browns' offensive line is focused on executing at a high level against a Steelers' defense that features four-time All Pro First Team DT Cameron Heyward, former Defensive Player of the Year LB T.J. Watt and LB Alex Highsmith. Watt's 3.5 sacks this season are tied for the fourth most in the NFL while Highsmith's three are tied for the eighth most. As a team, the Steelers' eight sacks are tied for the sixth most.

"They're a good unit, they're experienced, they've played a lot of ball," G Zion Johnson said. "We don't underestimate any of our opponents. So, we're just going to approach practice with extra focus and make sure we're dialed into our technique, our assignments and make sure we're ready to go out and perform on Thursday night."

After overhauling the offensive line and adding five new starters during the offseason, the Browns' front unit is continuing to establish chemistry. T Spencer Fano has been a part of the unit's growth, as he has continued developing while going up against high-level pass rushers. He believes his improvement while facing teams' top edge rushers every week is critical to winning his individual matchups.

"I have to accelerate my growth," Fano said. "If I want to be able to compete and beat these kinds of edge rushers then I have to get better."

One of the players that Fano could see against the Steelers is Highsmith. Fano mentioned that Highsmith gets off the ball quickly and has a plethora of pass rush moves that make him effective.

On the other side of the line, T Tytus Howard could face Watt frequently throughout the game. Howard has faced him before and understands the importance of the assignment. Howard noted that Watt has different pass rush tendencies than other players, which he will need to be aware of and ready for heading into the matchup.

"He's a high effort guy, plays to the whistle," Howard said. "He plays at a different pace than a lot of guys. He plays freely, he's able to do stuff that a lot of other D-ends can't do. So, knowing that typically a D-end might not go inside on an edge rush, he may do it."

One area that Howard, along with the rest of the offensive line, is looking to improve on entering the matchup against Pittsburgh is the offense's operation at the line of scrimmage. Howard was called for three false starts in Week 3, which he is dedicated to fixing against the Steelers.

"It's just something I got to get a feel for how they're going to be judging the game," Howard said. "I really just got to try my best to time it up perfectly. My game my whole career has been getting off the snap, so, I just got to calm it down a little bit. I can't try to compare myself to anybody else around the league, and I just got to fix it."

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In addition to limiting their own mistakes and Pittsburgh's edge rushers, the Browns' offensive line will look to contain Heyward on the interior. Through the first three games, he has three quarterback hits and four passes defensed.

While facing Pittsburgh's pass rush, the Browns' offensive line can use their strengths to their advantage in Week 4.

"At the end of the day, we try to focus on what we do," Johnson said. "And for us, we just have to execute. We've got to be locked into our technique, locked into our assignments, and just come out every play with that physicality and focus to get the job done."

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Wide receiver Denzel Boston (12) during practice on September 29, 2026 at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus.