Browns vs. Steelers: What's the Game Plan for Cleveland?

For the Pittsburgh Steelers, preparing to face a new Cleveland Browns quarterback is standard operating procedure at this point.

Over the last six years, the Steelers have lined up against eight different quarterbacks in those 12 matchups. Colt McCoy is the only Browns signal-caller to make it more than two games played against the Steelers.

Pittsburgh will more than likely face their ninth different Browns quarterback at Heinz Field on Sunday, as Johnny Manziel is rumored to be the starter for Cleveland, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, while Josh McCown rehabs from a rib injury he suffered two weeks ago against Arizona.

So what, right? The Browns are 2-7, and Manziel has been—at best—uneven through four starts and the first year-plus of his professional career. The Browns might not want to make the switch to Manziel while trying to salvage the 2015 season, but McCown’s injuries have opened that door.

Once that evaluation-mode door has been opened, it’s hard to turn back, especially for a team that clearly isn’t going anywhere this season.

Offensive Game Plan

Let Manziel be Manziel. It might be simple, but it’s true. Manziel’s stature isn’t that of a prototypical pocket passer, and that’s not going to change. Coach Mike Pettine rightfully wants the young quarterback to find his first reads before tucking the ball and bailing from the pocket.

Taking a checkdown and giving up on a play isn’t in Manziel’s DNA, but it is the prudent option sometimes. His inability to take what a defense is giving him on some plays has been one of the biggest knocks on him so far in his young career. But there have been clear signs of improvement.

That improvement will be critical to the Browns winning in Pittsburgh for the first time after losing their last 11 visits to the Steel City.

Allowing Manziel to move out of the pocket—on designed rollouts and improvised scrambles—will help him see passing lanes better and ultimately play better this week. Involving Duke Johnson is also probably a good idea, as the rookie running back has been a ghost during much of the last two weeks despite giving the Browns offense their biggest plays during that span.

Manziel also needs to rely on and be more effective when targeting Gary Barnidge. The tight end snagged just two of his seven targets last week against Cincinnati.

Defensive Game Plan

Defensively, the Browns need to give likely starter Landry Jones the Marcus Mariota treatment. Ben Roethlisberger is questionable, meaning Jones could start his second game of his career in Week 10 against the visiting Browns.

His first start, against Kansas City in Week 7, gives the Browns a blueprint to limiting him and the Steelers offense this weekend.

Blitzing on both passing and rushing downs and stacking the line of scrimmage will take away Jones’ reliance on DeAngelo Williams and their running game. Putting him in long down-and-distance situations and locking him into obvious passing downs are the best ways the Browns can stop Jones from getting comfortable and beating them with his bevy of passing weapons.

Even with a healthy dose of Le’Veon Bell—who is out for the season—at a 6.1 yards-per-carry clip, the Steelers were unable to do much of anything against the Chiefs in that Oct. 25 game. Kansas City played aggressive defense and forced Jones into three turnovers en route to a 23-13 victory.

If the Browns can limit Jones and the Steelers to 13 points, there’s no reason Manziel can’t lead Cleveland to victory this weekend.

Key Player Matchups

OLB Bud Dupree vs. OTs Mitchell Schwartz and Joe Thomas

Although limited some and not having officially started a game, rookie Bud Dupree leads the Steelers in sacks with four through his first nine NFL appearances. Meanwhile, the Browns boast annual Pro Bowler Joe Thomas at left tackle and Mitchell Schwartz—featured on Pro Football Focus’ Midseason All-Pro Team—across from him on the right side.

Dupree is far from a finished product, but he’s the best threat the Steelers have, and he’ll be deployed with the goal of collapsing the pocket quickly to force Manziel to make quick decisions, something he hasn’t proved to be capable of to this point in his young career.

Dupree has a tough test against Schwartz and Thomas, but he’s quick enough off the snap to make things difficult for any blocker he matches up against in the NFL.

TE Gary Barnidge vs. ILB Lawrence Timmons

Barnidge has been on a historic run for the Browns this season. The tight end has already set career highs after just nine games, and he’s on pace to set some franchise records as well.

The aging 29-year-old Lawrence Timmons seems to have lost a step or two and has struggled against some quicker pass-catchers. But the Pro Bowl inside linebacker isn’t a slouch overall, and the Steelers will still drop him into pass coverage quite a bit.

Browns offensive coordinator John DeFilippo needs to use deception and motion to get Barnidge moving before the snap to ensure Barnidge gets matched up with Timmons as much as possible. He’s a weak link in pass coverage, and Barnidge has been the team’s biggest bright spot this season.

WR Antonio Brown vs. CB Tramon Williams

Antonio Brown has had success against Cleveland despite drawing Joe Haden most of the time. This week, Haden is out again while recovering from his second concussion of the season. Instead, Brown will likely get veteran corner Tramon Williams in coverage for most of the game.

Williams has been a bright spot for Cleveland and is better suited to match up against the shifty wideout. But no defensive back in the league is really equipped to shut down Brown. He’s one of the best technicians in the league and will get space and make plays no matter who is throwing the ball—or covering him.

The best Williams can do is play him safely and limit his yards after the catch, because he’s not going to shut him down.

Prediction

While the Browns are seemingly in a favorable position by facing the Steelers without Roethlisberger and Bell, we know that’s probably a red herring. Nothing comes easy in the NFL, no matter who is missing from a given roster on a weekly basis.

Obviously, Jones isn’t the same caliber of player Roethlisberger has proved to be. But he has looked decent in relief appearances against Arizona and Oakland, and he has playmakers around him who can win in space.

All he needs to do is not turn the ball over and get it into the hands of Brown, Martavis Bryant and Williams, and the Steelers will be just fine this weekend, no matter who is starting at quarterback for the Browns.

Final Prediction: Steelers 27, Browns 23

All stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise noted.