Steelers Film Room: Browns present a difficult but winnable matchup

Following a stinker in week one, the Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to get back on track against the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football.  That starts with a solid week of game prep, including film study.  So in an effort to mimic Pittsburgh's preparations, I broke down the best plays from the Browns' week one […]

Rob Gregson NFL News Writer
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Jan 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) avoids pressure from Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh won 28-14. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Following a stinker in week one, the Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to get back on track against the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football

That starts with a solid week of game prep, including film study. 

So in an effort to mimic Pittsburgh's preparations, I broke down the best plays from the Browns' week one win, foreshadowing possible troubles and potential advantages for the Steelers:

Athletic Watson Returns

Watson looked sluggish both as a processor and an athlete during his short stint with the Browns last season. 

Week one was anything but, and will put stress on the Steelers' linebackers to make plays in space should Watson escape the pocket. 

The Arm Shines

This was an excellent throw to the boundary from the opposite hash by Watson. It takes both touch and velocity to get this ball over the flat defender, yet put it on the intended target. 

The Steelers play similar coverage concepts to what the Bengals did in week one, so it will be interesting to see how they counter the Browns. 

Still Wonky with Decisions 

This play was never going to work for Watson, even if the interception was a result of the ball being tipped. 

If Pittsburgh can heat up Watson with their dubious pass-rush duo, the Steelers' could make these plays common on Monday Night. 

Defensive Versatility 

Pittsburgh's offense doesn't have the perimeter threats that the Bengals do, especially following the injury news to one of their best pass catchers

But new Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is known for applying pressure, meaning these blitz looks and funky alignments could be prevalent on Monday night. 

Pickens Has to Win in a Phone Booth

The Browns dared the Bengals to beat them on the perimeter, often running man coverage concepts against the Ferraris that are Ja'Maar Chase and Tee Higgins on the outside. 

With the Steelers' WR corps being relegated to one real vertical threat via George Pickens, there will be an onus on him to win in tight man coverage, creating a potential Deja Vu moment on primetime vs. the Browns

Featured image via: © Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports