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This pregame report is brought to you by Colorcast.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers return to action against the Cleveland Browns after their Week 7 bye week. After winning the last two games leading into it, the bye week could not have come at a better time. We heard from a variety of players mentioning they used the bye week to get their bodies healthy after what seemed to be a growing list of injuries week after week. Of course, nothing needs to be said about the magnitude of this week’s game. This is the first meeting between these two teams since the Browns ended the Steelers 2020 season and are currently sitting third in the division at 4-3. The Steelers hold a 3-3 record and are last in the division, but are seeing this matchup as an opportunity to leap frog their division rival and start the second portion of their schedule on a high note.
Let’s take a look at some things we can look forward to.
Offense: The Browns have a great defense; there is no denying that. Through 7 games, they’ve averaged about 296 yards per game to opposing offenses, with 215 yards through the air and 80 yards rushing. But with that said, their 3 losses featured 73 rushing yards (Kansas City Chiefs), 112 rushing yards (Los Angeles Chargers), and 144 rushing yards (Arizona Cardinals). What I’m saying in all of this is to watch Najee Harris versus the Browns’ front 8. The Browns’ defense is not going to let Ben Roethlisberger beat them, so look for offensive coordinator Matt Canada to scheme plays to get the ball in Harris’ hands quickly and in space. The Browns’ injury report includes Jadeveon Clowney (questionable), Malik Jackson (questionable), Takkarist McKinley (questionable), and Denzel Ward (out), which will present opportunities for the Steelers to take advantage of their lack of depth. The offense will need to get Harris the ball out in space and protect Roethlisberger from Myles Garrett.
Defense: The Browns offense features the best rush attack of the entire NFL. They’re averaging over 170 yards per game on the ground. Therefore, the matchup I’m watching on defense, and the key for the Steelers to win the game, is to shut down Nick Chubb and the Browns’ rushing attack. Chubb is set to return to his starting running back role after sitting out with a calf injury, and Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, and Alex Highsmith will need to account for him on every down. Not to mention, when Chubb is catching his breath on the sideline, D’Ernest Johnson will relieve him after coming off a great performance against the Denver Broncos last week. Joe Haden even said this week that the key for the Steelers defense is to shut down the Browns’ run offense and force the injured Baker Mayfield to beat them with his arm. The Steelers have allowed over 100 yards rushing to opposing offenses in their last 3 games, and this will need to change in order for the Steelers to get off the field often on defense.
This is going to be a low scoring affair for both offenses. With each team looking to establish the run early and often, points are going to be at a premium this week. Right now, the point spread is set at 4 points in favor of the Browns with the point total at 43. I think the Steelers come back after the bye ready to play and win in Cleveland. Prediction, 23-17, Steelers.
As a head coach, Mike Tomlin is 10-4 after the bye week. In addition, the Steelers love playing in the month of October as well. In the month of October, the Steelers are 189-166-4 all time. But here is where history gets interesting; on Halloween, the Steelers are 2-1 going back to 2004, with the Steelers winning in 2004 and 2005, then losing in 2010 against the New Orleans Saints. But if we look back at each of those seasons, the Steelers made the playoffs each year, went to 2 Super Bowls, and won one. If history serves as any indicator, the Steelers get more treats than tricks when they play on Halloween.
What are you watching for tomorrow? What do you think the final outcome will be? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
Support SteelerNation by clicking here to read the story..
Want to talk about Steelers football with other Yinzers and Steelers legends like Ryan Shazier and Ike Taylor. Check out Colorcast, the first of its kind Social Sports Talk app, where you can listen to every Steelers hot take, or host your own sports talk show! Seriously. The mic is yours! Download the app now.
The Pittsburgh Steelers return to action against the Cleveland Browns after their Week 7 bye week. After winning the last two games leading into it, the bye week could not have come at a better time. We heard from a variety of players mentioning they used the bye week to get their bodies healthy after what seemed to be a growing list of injuries week after week. Of course, nothing needs to be said about the magnitude of this week’s game. This is the first meeting between these two teams since the Browns ended the Steelers 2020 season and are currently sitting third in the division at 4-3. The Steelers hold a 3-3 record and are last in the division, but are seeing this matchup as an opportunity to leap frog their division rival and start the second portion of their schedule on a high note.
Let’s take a look at some things we can look forward to.
MATCHUPS AT A GLANCE
Offense: The Browns have a great defense; there is no denying that. Through 7 games, they’ve averaged about 296 yards per game to opposing offenses, with 215 yards through the air and 80 yards rushing. But with that said, their 3 losses featured 73 rushing yards (Kansas City Chiefs), 112 rushing yards (Los Angeles Chargers), and 144 rushing yards (Arizona Cardinals). What I’m saying in all of this is to watch Najee Harris versus the Browns’ front 8. The Browns’ defense is not going to let Ben Roethlisberger beat them, so look for offensive coordinator Matt Canada to scheme plays to get the ball in Harris’ hands quickly and in space. The Browns’ injury report includes Jadeveon Clowney (questionable), Malik Jackson (questionable), Takkarist McKinley (questionable), and Denzel Ward (out), which will present opportunities for the Steelers to take advantage of their lack of depth. The offense will need to get Harris the ball out in space and protect Roethlisberger from Myles Garrett.
Defense: The Browns offense features the best rush attack of the entire NFL. They’re averaging over 170 yards per game on the ground. Therefore, the matchup I’m watching on defense, and the key for the Steelers to win the game, is to shut down Nick Chubb and the Browns’ rushing attack. Chubb is set to return to his starting running back role after sitting out with a calf injury, and Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt, and Alex Highsmith will need to account for him on every down. Not to mention, when Chubb is catching his breath on the sideline, D’Ernest Johnson will relieve him after coming off a great performance against the Denver Broncos last week. Joe Haden even said this week that the key for the Steelers defense is to shut down the Browns’ run offense and force the injured Baker Mayfield to beat them with his arm. The Steelers have allowed over 100 yards rushing to opposing offenses in their last 3 games, and this will need to change in order for the Steelers to get off the field often on defense.
PREDICTION
This is going to be a low scoring affair for both offenses. With each team looking to establish the run early and often, points are going to be at a premium this week. Right now, the point spread is set at 4 points in favor of the Browns with the point total at 43. I think the Steelers come back after the bye ready to play and win in Cleveland. Prediction, 23-17, Steelers.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As a head coach, Mike Tomlin is 10-4 after the bye week. In addition, the Steelers love playing in the month of October as well. In the month of October, the Steelers are 189-166-4 all time. But here is where history gets interesting; on Halloween, the Steelers are 2-1 going back to 2004, with the Steelers winning in 2004 and 2005, then losing in 2010 against the New Orleans Saints. But if we look back at each of those seasons, the Steelers made the playoffs each year, went to 2 Super Bowls, and won one. If history serves as any indicator, the Steelers get more treats than tricks when they play on Halloween.
What are you watching for tomorrow? What do you think the final outcome will be? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
Support SteelerNation by clicking here to read the story..
