Chris Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, hosts the Locked on Steelers podcast, and is joined by Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com.

The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cleveland Browns 26-22 Monday night, largely thanks to their edge rushers wrecking Deshaun Watson's night with two of the team's six sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, and two defensive touchdowns. It covered up an otherwise sloppy game, but it was an example of why the Steelers made sure to pay Watt and Highsmith for big contracts, and why they're the best edge rushing duo in the NFL.

Meanwhile, Kenny Pickett and the offense struggled again. They at least struck lightning with a 71-yard touchdown pass to George Pickens, but other than that, were not a good unit for a second consecutive game. But was that more on Pickett, the offensive line, or Matt Canada?

Finally, the Steelers' rookies stepped up in the game. Keeanu Benton came up big on the defensive line in the second half. Joey Porter Jr. had a key third down breakup and was in coverage on the final 4th down stop of the game, and Darnell Washington flattened Myles Garrett. Could it be time for the rookies to get more playing time?

CALL INTO THE SHOW AT 412-223-6644 or if international, e-mail your audio message to LOSTEELERSTOPICBAG@GMAIL.COM

Follow Chris Carter on Twitter: @CarterCritiques.

Theme music is 'Soul Kick' by Ceddy P, and 'Too Easy' by Nerdboy. Both from their label Renaissance Music. Find more from their label here.

This show is part of the Locked on Podcast Network.

DONATE to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation with this link: https://finest.cff.org/pgh50finest/cartercritiques

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Underdog Fantasy

This episode is sponsored by Underdog Fantasy! Sign up HERE with the promo code LOCKEDON to get your first deposit DOUBLED up to $100.

Must be 18+ (19+ in Alabama and Nebraska, 21+ in Massachusetts and Arizona) and present in a state where Underdog Fantasy operates. Terms apply. Concerned with your play? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www dot ncpgambling.org; In Arizona call 1-800-NEXT-STEP; in New York, Call 1-877-8-HOPENY; in Tennessee, call 1-800-889-9789

eBay Motors

For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNFL. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices