AFC Game Of The Week
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns
Steelers: I can finally tell you the formula that will work for them. First, let’s look back to their three-game losing streak and what was going wrong for them. They were struggling to once again get the running game going. I understand they drafted Najee Harris to help their lack of a ground attack. Some were even calling him a “wasted pick”. To me, the Steelers were depending way too much on Ben Roethlisberger to bail them out and win them football games and that wasn’t working. Now, you look at them during this winning streak. They’ve looked like a completely different team. Whenever I think of Pittsburgh Steelers football, I think of two things. The first is running the ball and they’ve had some good running backs in the history of their franchise wear the black and yellow. The other is the defense of course. Moving forward, the Steelers will need to play how they did when Ben first came into the league back in 2004. That’s using a balanced attack on offense with the running game leading the way and the defense forcing turnovers and making teams one-dimensional. This is where T.J. Watt needs to show why he was rewarded with that big contract to make him the highest-paid defensive player in the league. How I described the Colts last season is exactly what I’m saying with the Steelers. Philip Rivers then couldn’t take games over with his arm and you’re seeing that now with Ben. The bye week is over and they’ll make a trip to Cleveland on Sunday.
Browns: Just when I think they’re ready to take that next step, they pull me back to reality and show me why they’re nowhere near close to placing themselves in that contender conversation. To be considered elite, you must show up against those title-caliber teams. They haven’t. I’m still shaking my head at them for letting a grand opportunity slip from their hands in week one when they played the Kansas City Chiefs. They had the defending AFC champs on the ropes until they prevailed for the win. Unfortunately, injuries have hampered this team. Baker Mayfield has been dealing with a shoulder issue on his non-throwing arm, both Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are dealing with injuries and those two are a big loss to an offense that prides itself on running the football. Last week against Denver was a shining point for them. I always say it’s important for teams to have a veteran quarterback as a backup handy and the Browns were able to turn to Case Keenum. The biggest storyline was D’Ernest Johnson lighting up the Denver defense. He had been looking for his opportunity and he took full advantage of it. This Sunday, they’ll welcome their rivals to town for a big game in the division.
Steelers X-Factor: Devin Bush– I was so excited when the Steelers drafted him. He’s the heart and soul of this football team in my opinion. Devin brings energy consistently. I like that he’s always around the football somehow and someway. In run defense, he’s always downhill and uses his speed to burst through lanes to make a tackle. Devin can get after the quarterback and he can also cover. I’ve seen him pick up tight ends in space and handle his business.
Browns X-Factor: Ronnie Harrison Jr– He’s always been an instinctive player. Ronnie is a turnover machine! If you’re aware of where he is at all times, he will make you pay for it. He just knows how to put himself in the best position possible to make the best play. Whether it’s run defense or pass coverage, he will do whatever he can to get that football back for his team. Ronnie was that turnover machine at Alabama and he’s done the same in the NFL.
Final Thoughts: When these two last played, it was in January in the Wild Card round. The Browns stunned the world and upset the Steelers at Heinz. This will be their first time meeting since then. The Steelers must mix things up offensively because trying to run the football on this Browns defense will be a challenge. Don’t go for the big play down the field. Go underneath and over the middle. Cleveland must account for Najee Harris as a receiver as well and limit that part of his game. Watch the Steelers find different ways to make sure he gets the ball. This is another big game in the AFC North. There was one already in week seven, now it’s week eight’s turn.
Prediction: Steelers 24, Browns 19
