Cleveland Browns: Josh Cribbs Brings His A-Game Each Year Vs. Pittsbugh Steelers

The Cleveland Browns face an uphill battle once again in the 2010 NFL season and travel to take on their hated division rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in Week 6.

One of the few Browns standout players, Josh Cribbs, is one player that not only should be the main focus on the offense, but he really brings his best performances when facing the Steelers two times per year.

Since joining the Browns in 2005 as an un-drafted free agent, Cribbs has had many memorable moments against the Steelers including a highlight reel, tip-toe touchdown return of a kickoff in 2007 along with a subzero 2009 win, where Cribbs single-handedly was taking apart both the Steelers defense and special teams units.

Once again, both the Browns and Cribbs look to try and get the better of their longtime rival and Cribbs will hopefully get a chance to return kicks and spark an offense that looks to be led by rookie quarterback Colt McCoy for the first time.

In 2010, teams have either been kicking short or away from Cribbs and he only has a mediocre return average of 20.2 yards per return and a punt return average of 6.2 yards.

Not the type of numbers you would expect from a two-time Pro Bowl returner, but opposing teams have finally wised up and now do their best to keep the ball away from him.

It is in the Steelers' best interest to keep the ball away from Cribbs too because he has some great numbers in his career when playing the Steelers.

In 10 career games, Cribbs has returned a total of 37 kicks for 969 yards and three touchdowns for an average of 26.1 yards per return.

He has also returned 13 punts for 156 yards for an average of 12 yards per punt return.

Tack on 17 rushing attempts for 144 yards and an average of 8.47 yards per carry and Cribbs' specialty versus the Steelers is obviously in the return game and running the ball out of the backfield.

With McCoy taking first team reps, look for the Browns to sprinkle in a good amount of Wildcat snaps for Cribbs to utilize his ability to make plays with the ball in his hands and to lessen the pressure on McCoy's shoulders since this will be his first NFL start.

Cribbs has been hot and cold so far this season and the Browns really need to get him more touches, especially with running back Peyton Hillis nursing a thigh injury, if they even have a chance to upset the team that many NFL personalities say is the best team in the NFL right now.

And don't forget that the Steelers have gotten to this point without their Pro Bowl quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who will play against the Browns for the first time this season in Week 6.

Cribbs is the key to victory and the Steelers know this, but can they stop him if the Browns can get him at least 12-15 touches this Sunday?

Cleveland fans can only hope.

Follow Bleacher Report's 2010 NFL coverage on Twitter by clicking here.