Steelers Crossover: Week 2 Q/A with Browns writer Brandon Little
It's finally here. The Pittsburgh Steelers wil be taking on the Cleveland Browns today on Monday Night Football. In an effort to get a beat on what to expect from Cleveland, I spoke with A to Z Sports Browns writer Brandon Little. We discussed potential advantages and disadvantages for Pittsburgh in this matchup, and that […]
It's finally here. The Pittsburgh Steelers wil be taking on the Cleveland Browns today on Monday Night Football.
In an effort to get a beat on what to expect from Cleveland, I spoke with A to Z Sports Browns writer Brandon Little.
We discussed potential advantages and disadvantages for Pittsburgh in this matchup, and that was before one of Clevelands' best players went down with an injury:
Watson 2.0?
Q. Watson had an up-and-down game in Week 1, but I thought his film was reminiscent of his time with the Houston Texans in terms of body type, athleticism, and touch/velocity. Having said that, Watson had some throws he wants back, particularly when being pressured. How does Cleveland plan to keep him clean with questions at both tackle spots in preparation for one of the league's best pass-rush duos? – Gregson
A. Cleveland will need to do a better job of protecting Watson with T.J. Watt on the other side specifically. Better weather will be a big change that should work in Watson’s favor. Lastly, Watson himself has to be on time with his throws. Against Cincinnati, there was a couple times he just couldn’t get to his wideout on time. – Little
What To Expect From The Browns Defense?
The Browns defense looked fast, hungry and agressive in Week 1 vs one the leagues best offenses. Considering the injuries on Pittsburgh’s perimeter, will Schwartz and Co. continue to heat up opponents like Pittsburgh, or should we expect a more conservative game plan?
– Gregson
I believe that Schwartz will once again look to deploy his defensive line and get after the quarterback. With Pickett being a young quarterback, he hasn’t seen everything in the NFL. The Browns could look to bait him at times and they’ll try to keep him uncomfortable for the duration. – Little
Can The Browns Come From Behind?
The Cleveland Browns go as Nick Chubb and the offensive line go. If they are unable to get going on the ground, are the Browns capable of orchestrating a dropback passing game that can win given their tackle situation and questions outside of Amari Cooper? – Gregson
Elijah Moore led the Browns in receiving Week 1, additionally Donovan Peoples-Jones and David Njoku are very good players. If Watson has time to drop back, Cleveland should be able to work the passing game. If Chubb is struggling to run the ball, look for Watson to take off on designed quarterback to keep Pittsburgh honest. – Little
Update: Little and I exchanged dialogue before Cooper tweaked his groin late in the week during practice. His injury is not thought to be serious, but will likely leave him out of Monday Night Football according to Little and others.
Who Steps up With Cooper Out?
Piggybacking off of the aforementioned point, if Cooper struggles to separate for whatever reason, who is the Browns most reliable pass catcher after him? – Gregson
Right now in terms of most reliable, I’d have to go with either Moore or Peoples-Jones. Moore can get force fed the ball and is dangerous in space. DPJ struggles to separate but he’s one of the best you’ll find at catches in traffic, or with a defender draped on him. Cooper hasn’t really had a problem separating, as I believe he’s one of the best route runners in the game. Pittsburgh could look to do some different things to try to negate him and force Watson to others, however. – Little
More Exoctic Looks?
The Browns got wonky with their Week 1 defensive alignments, often having Myles Garrett or Zadarius Smith line up over the center in what we call a “spinner position” was that a game plan specific approach, or should we expect more multiplicity both this week and going forward under new DC Jim Schwartz? – Gregson
Coming into the season it was a thought that Schwartz would move his edge defenders around more than Joe Woods ever did. That was proven true in Week 1 and is something that will continue, surely. Garrett over a center is a mismatch 10-out of-10 times and Cleveland will love to get in that situation. On third down, Cleveland will try to deploy their ‘NASCAR package’ with four edge rushers on the field. – Little
Crossing Enemy Lines: Steelers offer weaknesses for the Browns
Getting some insight on the Steelers ahead of the Week 2 matchup.
Featured image via: © Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
