Steelers’ game plan against the Browns may have changed for the better following shocking trade just days before kickoff
The Steelers can use the Browns trade against them on Sunday.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a chance to put a stranglehold on the AFC North in the next two weeks. With Lamar Jackson still out of practice for the Baltimore Ravens, the Cincinnati Bengals being in full-blown desperation mode, and the Cleveland Browns being…well, the Browns, it’s imperative that Pittsburgh keep its foot on the gas.
That starts with beating the Browns this week and the Bengals next week. But before we get to the now Joe Flacco-led Bengals, the Browns are on deck, and they made a trade of their own this week, sending one of their best defenders, Greg Newsome, to Jacksonville in exchange for Tyson Campbell.
Well, attacking the new corner highlights one of the keys to success for the Steelers on Sunday — that and more in our preview with Brandon Little of A to Z Sports Cleveland.
Q. How did Dillon Gabriel look in his first start?
“Gabriel’s first start had its ups and downs, but most importantly, he played turnover-free football. The rookie gave the Browns two touchdowns while not turning it over, and that was a breath of fresh air from what the Browns had dealt with previously.
Gabriel completed 19-of-33 passes for 190 yards and sailed a couple of passes high that he would have liked to get back. Overall, it was a solid start with things to build on. One common carryover from Flacco starting was that the wide receivers are still playing poorly.” – Little
Q. If there is one area of weakness on the Browns’ defense, where would it be?
“Cleveland’s defense is strongest on the defensive line, and that plays right into what Jim Schwartz’s system is and is thriving up front. The play of Maliek Collins and Mason Graham in the middle has helped take the Browns’ defensive line to the next level. Cleveland’s one area of concern is the slot cornerback position, where it played former seventh-round pick Myles Harden. Pittsburgh may find success out of the slot, as well as positive yards after the catch in this one.” -Little
It should be noted that this Q&A was conducted before the Newsome trade was finalized. Even if Campbell is equal or eventually better, asking him to come in and learn a Jim Schwartz-led defense in a matter of days is a tall task. Between that and the deficiencies at slot that Brandon mentioned, it feels like a big game for DK Metcalf could be en route.
Q. What is your final score prediction?
“The Browns can play with any team in the league thanks to their defense, but they won’t win many games until they figure it out on the offensive side of the ball. These teams will split this year, and the home team will win one each.
I’ll take Pittsburgh to win the first one coming off a bye week. Returning to the United States to just play on the road again doesn’t bode well for the Browns. I do think it will be a close AFC North battle. Cleveland reaches 20 points for the first time this season. Steelers 24, Browns 20.” – Little
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