Scouting The Cleveland Browns
Well Steelers Nation, there’s a lot to be excited about this week as our Pittsburgh Steelers now control their own destiny atop the AFC North. The Steelers will be looking to face off against the Cleveland Browns this Sunday at Heinz Field, and hopefully this game goes a lot better than the ugly Week 1 contest!
As we all know, that Week 1 game ended in a tie; even though both teams had multiple opportunities to win the game.
As ugly as that game was, I believe that we will see a much different, improved look from both teams in this one. The Browns are last in the division but they are not the same Browns anymore! With that being said, let’s take a look at this week’s opponent.
Injury Report
Cleveland is luckier than a lot of NFL teams around the league as they are not dealing with a lot of major injuries. However, they still do have a few that could affect them in this game.
On offense, tight end David Njoku (Knee) and center JC Tretter (Ankle) are both listed as questionable for this week. Tretter was unable to participate in Wednesday’s practice while Njoku was limited. Wide receiver Rashard Higgins is listed as doubtful with an MCL injury. He did not participate in Thursday’s practice.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Browns are dealing with three injuries. Strong safety Damarious Randall (Groin), linebacker Joe Schobert (Hamstring), and defensive back E.J. Gaines (Concussion) are all listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. All three of those players were unable to participate in practice on Wednesday.
Rookies lead Cleveland’s offense
There will be some fresh faces in Cleveland’s starting lineup compared to what the Steelers saw in Week One. The biggest change is at the quarterback position. After a slow start to the season, Tyrod Taylor was benched for the first overall pick, Baker Mayfield.
Since Baker has become the starter, this offense has seen an increase in productivity and have not looked back. The Browns have picked up two wins behind the arm of Baker so far this season. During his time as the starter, Mayfield has thrown for 1,291 yards for six touchdowns and six interceptions. His go-to target has been Jarvis Landry, who has accounted for 489 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Last week, the Browns made a shocking move involving the run game. They traded starting running back Carlos Hyde, who they just acquired this offseason, to the Jacksonville Jaguars. This was also shocking due to the fact that their rushing offense ranks fifth in the league, averaging 135 yards per game this season.
With the departure of Hyde, the Browns will now look to increase the workload on rookie running back, Nick Chubb. So far in his rookie campaign, Chubb has rushed for 253 yards and three touchdowns. With all of that being said, there is a lot for Browns fans to look ahead to with this young offense.
Browns defense has struggled so far
As many of us have seen, the Browns have struggled to finish in close games this season. They have played in four overtime games so far, only winning one of them. A lot of this misfortune can be credited to their defense not showing up when called on.
Their defense is ranked 28th in the NFL, allowing 413.6 yards per game and 25.3 points per game. Their secondary for this week will consist of rookie Denzel Ward and T.J. Carrie at the corners, with Damarious Randall and Jabrill Peppers back at the safeties.
They have struggled tremendously against the pass, ranking 26th in passing defense as they have given up 278.9 yards per game through the air. Ward has been the only positive aspect of this secondary as he has three interceptions on the season so far.
As bad as they are at defending the pass, they have been even worse against the run. The front seven of the Browns consists of Myles Garrett, Larry Ogunjobi, Trevon Conley, and Emmanuel Ogbah on the defensive line, along with Genard Avery, Christian Kirksey, and Jamie Collins Sr. at the linebackers. This group ranks 28th in the NFL against the run, giving up 134.7 yards per game on the ground this season.
Final Thoughts
Even though the Browns have struggled so far this season, this game still always worries me. This is mainly due to the fact that the Steelers tend to play down to their competition and always let the Browns stay in the game with them, regardless of how bad they are.
In this week’s matchup, I look for James Conner to have another big game as he did in Week 1 against this terrible Browns defense. However, the key to this game will be Ben Roethlisberger making plays down the stretch when called upon. I have the Steelers winning this one but don’t be surprised if it’s close!
