Browns-Steelers 2

10 Questions To Ask Going In

Can they match the Steelers’ physical play?

All too often since '99 (the return), the Steelers have manhandled the Browns – especially up front, enabling them to spend most of the final quarter smiling and laughing on the sidelines as if this was a walk in the park. This will be a good barometer of how tough, literally, this Browns team really is.

Will the Browns be able to establish enough of a running game to keep the blitzing Steelers honest?

If the Steelers can pin their ears back, it will be a very long day. This is why Jamaal Lewis was signed. The line needs to run block well and JL needs to pick up the tough yards today.

Can the defense redeem itself?

The Browns are lauding the fact that the defense has tightened in the second half of games recently – holding teams to field goals instead of touchdowns, and making key short yardage stops. Today, they’ll need to play four good quarters if they expect to be in this game late.

Who will make plays on the defensive side of the football?

The Browns have had very few big plays from their front seven this fall. Today would be a good time for someone to step up and deliver.

Will DA have time?

This is the one question I am most intrigued by. The offensive line has played magnificently this fall. The line needs to give the Browns’ receivers time to get downfield, and DA the protection necessary for him to go through his progressions. If they can provide good protection against this front seven, they have truly arrived.

Will DA make more good plays than bad?

This one is simple. If Anderson plays well against a first place team, on the road, he will establish himself as a starting QB in this league. This is truly his “paycheck” game. His agent knows it, he knows it, the Browns’ hierarchy knows it and those who truly understand football know it. This is his showcase game. He’s not playing so much for the Browns today, as much as for the rest of the league.

Can RC & company handle it?

I’m not impressed by beating winless teams or .500 teams in your building. In year #3 of your program, you should be handling those clubs. I want to see if this coaching staff can prepare this team to play well, in arguably the most hostile environment in pro football, and make the necessary in-game adjustments to be competitive until the final whistle.

Will they keep it simple (KISS) or crack under the pressure?

This is where you get the ball in the hands of your playmakers as much as possible - where your stars should shine.

Will their #1 & #2 continue their development?

Thomas has played well this season and Wright has shown some improvement over the course of the past eight weeks. The Browns will need these rookies to protect the blind side and to help the defense get off the field on third down today.

Can the special teams be special?

Winning the special teams match-up could go a long way in deciding who gets the “W” today?
Josh Cribbs and company need to perform.

Prediction
Unfortunately, we see the Steelers pulling away late and earning a two-score win (30-20). However, I’ve been wrong before – like when I said Custer had it under control at Little Big Horn.