Home Steelers 2016 Season Game-Planning the Browns’ Defense

Game-Planning the Browns’ Defense

by Steeldad

There is an ugly feeling hanging over this edition of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns. For Browns’ fans, there is nothing ot lose. At 0-10 they aren’t going to the playoffs so a win over their hated rivals would make the season. For Steelers’ fans, a win isn’t enough. We need to see a dominant win that leaves no drama and no doubt. But… lurking below the surface is the fear of what will happen should the Steelers lose. 

If the Steelers’ offense shows up, that won’t happen. Unfortunately, that’s a big ‘If.’

Browns’ Defensive Ranking: Overall-32nd, Passing-31st, Rushing-31st

Steelers’ Offensive Ranking: Overall-12th, Passing-5th, Rushing-25th

How the Steelers Attack

The weather forecast is temperatures in the thirties, winds steady at 30 mph and some form of precipitation is expected. Never before has there been such a simple gameplan. 

We heard all offseason and all through the preseason about how good this offensive line was. Ben Roethlisberger said it was the best he’s had in his 13 seasons in Pittsburgh. Sadly, it has not performed that way especially when it comes to the running attack. All that needs to change on Sunday. It is high time this unit grabs their lunch pails and gets down and dirty for a long afternoon of trench work.

The Browns have the 31st worst run defense in the league. They give up 6.2 yards per play and they surrender over four yards every time an opponent runs the football. 

I’m not suggesting Ben Roethlisberger wrap his arm up and not use it because the Browns will pack the box early, but this isn’t just about being able to get Le’Veon Bell going. This is about a team in desperate search of an identity. It’s about a team that needs to show urgency and play with a confident desperation that won’t be denied. In other words, the Steelers need to impose their will on the Browns.

Doing it early would be better too. With poor weather conditions and a season going nowhere, the Browns will have no interest in playing if they are way behind early. I think this is where Antonio Brown, Eli Rogers and the tight ends come into play. Look for Roethlisberger to find these guys on routes over the middle. Whether crossing or sitting down in an open zone area, I expect Big Ben to find early success with short routes especially if they can use some play-action.

The only thing that matters this week is winning. Losers of four-straight, these Steelers should have that as their singular focus. It will start offensively with the running game. Failing to get it going will result in a very long and potentially disastrous afternoon by the lake.

Photo courtesy pinterest

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