Opponent Profile: Steelers Have To Be Ready For Surprising Browns
By Danny Cox
A loss to the lowly Tamp Bay Buccaneers was something that shocked a lot of people - especially the Pittsburgh Steelers' faithful. This past week, an eight-point victory over the hapless Jacksonviille Jaguars wasn't any more impressive. Now, the Steelers have to travel to face off with a Browns' team that has a lot of promise and is looking better than they have in years.
Quarterback Brian Hoyer is looking like a true NFL starter in coach Mike Pettine's offense. What's scary is that he's playing well enough to keep rookie phenom Johnny Manziel off the field almost entirely. Still, they've got the dangerous first-year player in their pocket for some trick plays and the occasional "Dawg Pound Special" that could work really well when done properly and without any penalties.
Even without wide receiver Josh Gordon (out on suspension), Hoyer has plenty of targets in receivers Andrew Hawkins and Miles Austin along with tight end Jordan Cameron. That's not even counting the rookie running backs coming out of the backfield and a returning-from-injury Ben Tate.
Tate really proved himself this past weekend in the win over the Titans as he showed that his injury is a thing of the past. He ran with power and speed and for over 100 yards with a bit of ease. What's scary for the Steelers is that they will have to defend against not only Tate, but also rookie backs Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell. Yes, their reps have lessened with Tate's return, but they remain dangerous.
Where the Steelers are going to have to expose the weaknesses of the Browns is when Pittsburgh has the ball.
The Browns have not been able to win games easily or to stay in them due to their defense. Currently, Cleveland has the 28th-ranked passing defense in the league and the 30th-ranked rushing defense. The latter is the reason that Steelers' running back Le'Veon Bell should be able to have a huge day this weekend running between the tackles and to the outside as well.
After getting the run game going, Ben Roethlisberger should be able to pass well against a defense that one wouldn't think has so many holes. Donte Whitner, Joe Haden, Buster Skrine, and Tashaun Gipson make a formidable secondary, but they have been torched by opposing quarterbacks this season. They're also one of the big reasons that teams have been able to get late leads and steal victories.
Big Ben does need to be watchful of the defensive front seven of the Browns, though. Linebackers Karlos Dansby, Barkevious Mingo, and Paul Kruger are fast and strong. They'll be in the Steelers backfield in a second and will deliver some seriously hard hits. The Browns defensive line has dealt with a number of injuries, but those linebackers are deceivingly fast.
Pittsburgh can and should get a season sweep against the Browns, but they've got to play a full 60 minutes this time. Allowing the Browns to get back into a game after they've fallen behind is something that numerous teams have mistakenly done this season, and it's hurt a couple of them.
For more Steelers news and updates, visit Steelers Central.
Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. Danny is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
