Our panel of writers came together to preview this week’s Browns game, by each finding a single battle they felt would be the “key to the game” for the Steelers to emerge victorious.

Here are those results:

Joe

Brian touched on this in his preview, but the Steelers basically need to go out and be aggressive. Win this game by a good margin and gain momentum, just like they did last time.

I expect a big game for Le’Veon Bell, who didn’t get to face the Browns at all last year.

If we keep Cleveland around in this game, it could turn into one of those recent last minute wins like Penn State over Ohio State, Pitt over Clemson, or last week’s blocked extra point return in the Denver/New Orleans game.

That’s the last thing this team needs, because the 2nd half of their schedule is very soft; do not play down to anyone at this point, and take what’s yours for the giving (the AFC North title).

Zac

Shutting down Isaiah Crowell would make the game super easy for the Steelers.

Yes, Terrelle Pryor is probably their best and most dangerous weapon… but if they can’t run at all, the Browns are gonna have to ask Cody Kessler to win them this game.

I don’t think he can do that at this stage in his career.

Yes, he’s accurate and makes few mistakes (so far) but completely shutting down Crowell would force his hand.

I predict a forced ball (or two) to Terrell Pryor, and one of them resulting in a pick… similar to what [Joe’s] saying, the Steelers need to get up early to also help increase the sense of urgency in Cleveland. The less time they think they have, the better.

If they hold Crowell to under… eh.. 75 yards… should be a win.

So for that to work we need Shazier and company to wrap up, and make plays behind the line.

Obviously.

Eric

My key is real simple this week: smart football. The Steelers recent struggles are partly due to mental errors and lack of discipline.

The Steelers are a better team than the Browns; this is a game they should win. In order to do that, they need have less penalties, not miss tackles or assignments, and just play smart.

That goes for the players and the coaches.

I don’t want to see an abundance of cute and exotic offensive plays, constant 2 point conversion attempts, or fake field goals.

If the Steelers play smart and avoid stupid mistakes, they should have no trouble snapping their loss streak this week.

Brian

Key to the game is two fold in my opinion – can everyone on the defense step up and provide the extra energy and fire that is going to be missing this week?

Can they play disciplined football?

Don’t feed Bell early – feed Bell late. Put the ball in Ben’s hands early, and often. Play with some urgency and some fire on both sides of the ball. Act like you know your season is on the line, because it is.

We should beat Cleveland by 30 points.

We should – so just do it.

Throw the ball to open up the run, and then drive the nail into their coffin.

Play smart, play hard and play with aggression.

 

Terry

Keys to the game? First… who’s the Cleveland QB this week?

Anyway it’s all about the defense, and just stopping the run. James Harrison gets in as the starter over Jarvis Jones. James has a hunger to not only get his second Lombardi, but to break records and make history with his sack stats. Look for him to play a big role in the pass rush as he usually plays.

So who will step up in the absence of Cam Heyward?

Tuitt? Dupree?

We need to create those turnovers to keep this 0-10 team on their losing streak.

This is a must win game.

With the Ravens playing the Cowboys, and being one game behind in the AFC North, this is when our season starts.