Spencer Fano did not look much like a rookie at all in his first seven NFL games. That all changed for the left tackle in Week 8 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
While there was plenty of blame to go around in Cleveland’s discouraging 27-6 loss, Fano was one of the main culprits. With the Browns’ offensive line struggling overall, his rough day was particularly glaring.
Afterward, Fano had an honest admission about his performance on Sunday, saying that he knows he took a “step back.”
“I need to play a whole lot better than what I put out on that field. I feel like I’ve been taking steps all season, and feel like I took a little step back today and just need to get better,” Fano said.
#Browns T Spencer Fano was not happy with his performance in today's loss to the Steelers:
"I need to play a whole lot better than what I put out on that field."
"I feel like I've been taking steps all season, and feel like I took a little step back today and just need to get… pic.twitter.com/jBrTnvMVg4
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) November 1, 2026
The No. 9 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Fano had been one of the better linemen in the league this season, rookie or not. Heading into the game, Pro Football Focus had him ranked 11th overall among qualified tackles, but after this outing, he has fallen to 17th.
In Cleveland’s first meeting against Pittsburgh this season, a 27-24 win in Week 4, Fano held Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith to one pressure on 21 pass-rush matchups. On Sunday, Highsmith generated six pressures in the same number of plays, with one half-sack, and he drew three holding penalties against Fano (with two declined).
Fano also allowed four pressures in 13 matchups with Nick Herbig. That led to one of the eight sacks of Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who was sacked just twice in the first game.
The rest of the Browns’ offensive line did not fare much better. Left guard Zion Johnson allowed five pressures and two sacks, and rookie right guard Austin Barber gave up three pressures. Cleveland also managed just 34 yards rushing.
It was a lost afternoon for the Browns, who dropped their 23rd straight game visiting the Steelers, which ties an ugly NFL record. Cleveland also fell into third place in the AFC North after they had been atop the division later than in any season since 2014.
Fortunately, the Browns’ next opponent, the New Orleans Saints, have one of the worst QB pressure rates in the league, so Fano should be able to get back on track quickly.
NEXT: Analyst Said What Every Browns Fan Had In Mind After Loss To Steelers
