Crossing Enemy Lines: Steelers offer weaknesses for the Browns
Week 2 of the NFL is in full swing today with the Sunday slate on the schedule. Cleveland Browns fans will have to wait one more day, however, as they and the Steelers play on Monday Night Football. Cleveland is looking to move to 2-0, while the Steelers are looking to avoid 0-2. Cleveland is […]
Week 2 of the NFL is in full swing today with the Sunday slate on the schedule. Cleveland Browns fans will have to wait one more day, however, as they and the Steelers play on Monday Night Football.
Cleveland is looking to move to 2-0, while the Steelers are looking to avoid 0-2. Cleveland is the slight favorite according to Vegas and a win would give them their first 2-0 start in 30 years.
Winning in Pittsburgh is never easy and it surely won’t be on Monday Night Football. The Steelers are 20-0 over their last 20 home games that appeared on Monday night.
With game day here tomorrow, previews are coming to a close and it’ll soon be the real thing. Before the matchup, I wanted to get some insight on the Steelers from someone who covers the team. There was no one better to do that with than AtoZ’s Steelers writer Rob Gregson.
1. Who will be lining up at left tackle this week and how will the Steelers game plan to try to slow Myles Garrett?
The Steelers are hoping “Chuks” Okorafor clears concussion protocol and will start at right tackle on Sunday. That way they can keep their starting offensive line intact. If Chuks can’t go, that’s where things get hairy. Broderick Jones has worked at right tackle this week even though his natural and drafted position is left tackle. That’s because a rookie making his first career start against Garrett is a recipe for disaster and will be hard enough on Sunday. Expect chip help Darnell Washington potentially playing a bigger role to help slow down Garrett.
2. With Diontae Johnson out, it is known that George Pickens is the guy. Who else could step up outside of him and Allen Robinson?
Considering his involvement throughout the preseason and in Week 1, there will be an expectation that Calvin Austin III garners more manufactured touches, getting use outside of his “gadget” role.
3. Kenny Pickett didn’t have a great Week 1, what does he need to do to bounce back?
Pickett struggled in Week 1 in a way that was more fluke than foreshadowing. Kenny has his flaws, but his decision-making and accuracy are why Pittsburgh drafted him in the first place. He had an “off” game vs. one of the league's best teams and so the overreaction has ensued.
4. With Cam Heyward out, who plugs in there to try to be a force that can minimize Nick Chubb?
Even with a healthy Cam Heyward, seeing how SF dented Pittsburgh’s front line created cause for concern. With him and out and arguably the league's best pure back in Nick Chubb coming to town, the Steelers will need young players like Isaiahh Loudermilk and rookie Keeanu Benton to step up and do their best to fill a massive void.
5. With Jack Conklin out, Cleveland will start rookie Dawand Jones. How do the Steelers and T.J. Watt attack the right side with a young player over there?
Based on typical alignments and the fact that Cleveland will be starting a rookie tackle, you can bet to see T.J. Watt lined up against the rookie, aiming to double down on a three-sack performance from Week 1. Dawand Jones’ length makes him tough to get around, yet his size makes him very effective against bull rushes. Expect Watt to work a variety of moves and try and get in the rookie's head, forcing oversets mental errors that he can capitalize on.
Final Injury Report: Browns at Steelers Monday Night Football
Injury designations are in for the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night.
Featured image via Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports.