You may wonder if gets harder to and harder to write these considering the Pittsburgh Steelers have lost four in a row. Toss in the fact the Cleveland Browns have lost 10 straight and ya, it does get a little harder. But this is what I do ladies and gentlemen and we need to figure out how the Steelers’ banged up and victimized defense can slow down the Browns’ attack.
Browns’ Offensive Ranks: Overall-17th, Passing-23rd, Rushing-16th
Steelers’ Defense Ranks: Overall-22nd, Passing-24th, Rushing-14th
How the Steelers’ Attack
The first thing that must be discerned is whether Josh McCown or Cody Kessler is playing quarterback for the Browns. Last week in Baltimore, Kessler got the start and went 10 of 17 for 94 yards and the team’s only score. McCown was inserted in the second half and promptly threw a pick on his second throw.
What should concern the Steelers more however is the Browns’ rushing attack which is not great, but it isn’t bad either. Isaiah Crowell is averaging 4.6 yards per carry and while he has 70 less carries than Crowell, Duke Johnson is averaging 5.0 yards per carry. This is bad news for a Steelers’ Defense that is now without Cam Heyward and is being gashed to the tune of 4.3 yards per carry.
In order to slow this down, the Steelers have to get back to basics. If your job is to contain on the edge then you hold the edge. If your job is to fill a gap then you fill that gap. And beyond anything else, don’t assume anything. Make plays especially on first down. The Browns are 10th in the NFL in yardage gained on first down. Right now they are gaining over six yards per run or pass on first down. The Steelers have to bring that number down.
When the Browns throw, the top target has become a guy that once victimized the Steelers’ with his legs when he played in Oakland. Terrelle Pryor is leading the Browns with 51 receptions and 621 yards. His size and athleticism has proven to be difficult for opposing teams to deal with especially in one on one situations. Whether it’s Artie Burns or Ross Cockrell, they must limit his ability to go up and get the ball.
We all know how the Steelers fare with tight ends so special attention should be paid to Gary Barnidge who is second on the team with 37 catches. He isn’t having the season he had in recent years but he’s still someone that can’t be forgotten.
The Browns also like to throw to Duke Johnson out of the backfield. If I’m them, I’m paying close attention to how Dallas ran their screen to Ezekiel Elliott. That threat may cause Keith Butler to second guess bringing the blitz but I think he has to get back to it on occasion. Protecting the secondary can only happen so often but now you’re down you’re top sacker in Heyward. Pressure has to be generated.
Regardless of who plays quarterback, the Steelers must get back to basics. They need to get off of blocks and make plays. It sounds simple but it hasn’t consistently been happening. Now would be a great time to start.
Photo courtesy waitingfornextyear.com
