Browns vs. Steelers – 3 Keys to Fortune, Glory and a Browns Win

1. The defensive line’s best game of the season, NO MATTER WHO THE QUARTERBACK IS!

The Steelers seem to have quarterback issues similar to the Browns this year, in a word; injuries. The Steelers are going to more than likely be starting their 3rd year, 3rd string back up QB Landry Jones. This year stepping in for the injured Ben Roethlisberger and the underperforming and injured Michael Vick, Jones played some in a week 6 win against Arizona, and got the start this year in their week 7 loss to Kansas City. So needless to say, he doesn’t have a lot of “quality experience” starting or playing in the NFL. While he has been performing well enough to start for the Pittsburgh Steelers thus far, he, like all new QB’s in the NFL, will struggle if you do anything to knock him off his stance in the pocket, impair his vision, bat down a pass or five, and overall just annoy the heck out of him. And if it is Roethlisberger who gets the start, make him use his feet, he’ll be playing with a sprained left foot.

2. Competent, not Spectacular secondary play (Big Ben doesn’t play)

Roethlisberger to Brown is one of the more dangerous passing combinations in the league. But if Roethlisberger does not play, which appears to be the case, that will give the Browns an easier time limiting the Steelers dangerous weapons at wide outs. The concussion protocol will more than likely keep pro-bowlers Joe Haden and Donte Whitner out for this match up against the Steelers, along with Tashaun Gipson. So the likes of Pierre Desire, Justin Gilbert, Jordan Poyer and Ibrahim Campbell will be charged with putting forth a “Competent” effort; meaning limiting the penalties and big plays through the air. Its literally all we as fans can ask for.

3. Offense Capitalizing on Impactful Special Teams Play

Punter Andy Lee is going to have to step his game up as of the past few games, but Lee and kicker Travis Coons have the clear advantage in the kicking game. The Steelers have struggled in the kicking game this season, and Special Teams has been one bright spot for the Browns this season most of the time (excluding the off-sides call at the end of the San Diego game). Special teams has created short field opportunities the offense could not capitalize on more than enough times already this season, Sunday’s match-up will require the Browns to convert those shorter fields into touchdowns if they want to come away with a win on the road, and oh yeah, in the division.