Browns Vs Steelers: Keys To Victory For Pitt in This AFC North Showdown
The Pittsburgh Steelers get to welcome Ben Roethlisberger back into the lineup as they face the rival Cleveland Browns.
The Browns are a perfect opponent for Roethlisberger’s return.
Cleveland is a division rival who embarrassed the Steelers last December, and the Pittsburgh players have that fresh in their heads.
This game also will not be a walk over.
Cleveland has been competitive in all of their games this year and will play a physical game.
Where the Steelers have a huge advantage is they are starting a two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback in Roethlisberger, while the Browns are starting a rookie quarterback in Colt McCoy.
Pittsburgh will look to get its defense back on track against McCoy, and the offense will hope to get into a rhythm as their franchise quarterback rejoins the lineup.
Offense—Protect the Ball
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Pittsburgh can protect the ball in two ways.
The first is to continue to keep the ball on the ground.
Rashard Mendenhall has been one of the top running backs in the league this season and should have even more room to run now that the Steelers are a threat to throw the ball.
The ball control offense allows the Steelers defense to attack the opposition and possibly force some turnovers themselves.
More importantly, Pittsburgh cannot afford to turn the ball over.
Nothing can change a game quicker than a turnover and could build momentum for a Browns team who have been competitive this season, but have not been able to pick up wins.
The Steelers are facing a rookie quarterback and taking unnecessary risks that puts McCoy in better position to succeed would be a mistake.
Roethlisberger will be important here.
It will be very tempting for Bruce Arians to open up the passing game, and Roethlisberger would probably like that in addition to his receivers.
However, no matter how much Roethlisberger worked out, regardless of how he prepared himself, and even considering two weeks of practice, none of that included playing full speed against an NFL defense.
Pittsburgh needs to ease Roethlisberger back in to avoid any costly mistakes.
Offense—Welcome Back Sanders
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There will be another return to the game day roster, and that is rookie Emmanuel Sanders.
Sanders had a very good training camp and preseason and played in Week One.
After an injury, though, Sanders has not dressed since with rookie receiver Antonio Brown getting on the field because of his kick return abilities.
As of now, all signs point to Sanders getting back into the lineup, and it is likely he should see some time in three or four wide receiver sets.
Sanders adds a much needed element of speed to the Steelers receiving lineup and will be a nice extra weapon for Roethlisberger.
Offense—Don’t Be “Big Ben”
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The team is excited to have him back and so is the fanbase, but that does not mean that Roethlisberger has to take the team on his shoulders this week.
Instead, all Roethlisberger has to do is get re-acclimated to game speed and make enough plays to put the Steelers in position to win.
Pittsburgh has leaned on their running game and defense early in the season, and they should continue this game plan this week.
This does not mean that Roethlisberger should be held back, but rather he does not need to throw it 40 times on Sunday.
The Steelers should look for Roethlisberger to help mix the plays up on first downs, as well as improve their third-down efficiency.
More importantly, they will need him to put the ball in the end zone.
Roethlisberger needs to play well, but they do not need him to be big.
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Defense—Confuse Colt
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Colt McCoy is starting for the first time in his NFL career, and he gets to face the Pittsburgh Steelers defense. Usually things do not end well for the quarterback.
McCoy will have to face a Steelers defense that is looking to bounce back after their collapse at the end of the Baltimore Ravens game.
The defense is motivated and hungry to improve their play.
Of more concern for McCoy will be outside linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley, who have been silent after a hot start and are ready to get back to hitting the quarterback early and often.
Dick LeBeau’s defense will be sending exotic blitzes at McCoy and mixing up coverages, forcing him into holding onto the ball or into making mistakes.
It will be nothing like McCoy has ever seen, and he could be in for a long day.
Defense—Create the Turnover
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When a team matches up against a rookie quarterback, turnovers are a must.
Whether it is a forced fumble after a sack, a specialty of James Harrison, or making an interception, Pittsburgh’s defense must take advantage of the situation and force turnovers.
Even better would be for the defense to put one in the end zone, especially after the offense failed to score after two turnovers two weeks ago.
But with Roethlisberger at the helm, if the defense can put the offense in good position, Pittsburgh should be able to put points on the board this week.
Defense—Cradle Cribbs
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Josh Cribbs has been very successful against the Steelers.
He is a dual threat from the Wildcat formation, as well as in the return game.
The last time these two teams met, Cribbs had his way with the Steelers on offense, and he always seems to have a big kick return against them.
Nothing can take the air out of the sails of a team like a special teams touchdown, and Cribbs has scored enough of them against Pittsburgh.
The Steelers do not want to allow Cribbs to put their offense in good field position either, making McCoy’s job any easier.
Beyond Cribbs, Pittsburgh’s defense should be able to handle the Browns offensive weapons. However, Cribbs is a tough task and they must key in on him.
Spotlight Player—Defense
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LaMarr Woodley, after setting a Steelers record for consecutive games of recording at least a half a sack, has been quiet the past couple of weeks.
Look for things to get back on track this week.
Woodley is ready to get to the quarterback and has had a couple of weeks to prepare for Cleveland.
Expect Woodley to get at least one sack, if not more this week, as he will help put the Steelers in position to dominate Cleveland.
Spotlight Player—Offense
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There is no question here. All eyes will be on Ben Roethlisberger.
How will the Steelers use him in his return, and how will he perform?
One thing is for sure, Roethlisberger is in the best shape of his career and has probably never prepared more for a season debut.
Big things are expected from Roethlisberger this season, especially after the strong start from the running game and defense.
If he can play the best football of his career, as it looked throughout camp, the Steelers will be in position for a deep playoff run this year and will continue to be an early Super Bowl favorite.
Game Notes
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- Ben Roethlisberger will make his season debut.
- Pittsburgh has won 12 of the last 13 games against Cleveland.
- The Steelers all-time record against the Browns is 58-56, including 8-1 at Heinz Field.
- With one reception, Hines Ward can move into a fourth place tie with Art Monk for consecutive games with a reception. Ward currently has a 182-game streak.
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