NFL Breakdown - Steelers Defense vs Browns Offense

James Harrison ALWAYS Makes A
Statement vs the Browns

When looking at the schedule before the season, this game against the Cleveland Browns originally looked like a nice break for the Steelers in between the Ravens games.  However, with the Steelers standing at 6-4, this now becomes a MUST WIN if the Steelers want to remain on the inside track of the playoffs, and to remain on life support with the division crown.  Today I will analyze the Steelers D vs the Browns Offense in the top 5 storylines of this classic / historic matchup.

- Stop Trent Richardson - Lets be honest.  Trent Richardson, the Browns' #1 overall pick, is the team's entire offense.  Everything they do stems from the big back from Alabama.  He is a back that runs incredibly hard and is tough to bring down...think Peyton Hillis with more agility and ability.  Although the offense runs through Richardson, the Browns have struggled with consistency in the running game.  They currently rank 27th overall in the NFL in terms of rushing with 92 yds/game.  For having a stud running back, those aren't astounding numbers.  However, the Browns have used Richardson equally in the passing attack, ala Ray Rice, and he is a great pass catcher.  The Steelers stopping Richardson is job #1 for the #1 Defense in the NFL.

- Force Weedon Into Mistakes - If the Steelers are able to stop Richardson, then there is a good chance that they will be able to force 40 year old rookie (okay hes 29 not 40), Brandon Weedon, into making some mistakes.  Weedon has been spotty as the starter for the Browns this season, but the guy has still thrown 11 TDs.  He has the Browns ranked 19th overall through the air averaging 219 yds/game.  The Steelers ability to stop the pass has been clearly evident this year as they haven't allowed their past 5 QBs faced to throwing UNDER 200 yards.  That statistic, which I've put in several posts, still shocks me to this day.  Can they keep that streak alive?  I think they can.

- Take the Ball Away...for ONCE - Although Richardson isn't known as a "fumbler", Weedon is the man who can help the Steelers improve their takeaway totals.  Giving the rookie looks that he has never seen before will increase his chances of making mistakes that the Steelers can take advantage of.  However, the Steelers have had those chances this season, but they haven't taken advantage of those opportunities.  The Steelers need to confuse Weedon when he is passing, and they need to TAKE THE BALL AWAY.   With the Steelers limited at QB on offense, its crucial to win the field position battle, and take aways can aide that in a BIG way.

- Watch Out for Young WRs - Don't look now, but the Browns actually have some viable threats at the WR position.  WRs Josh Gordon and Greg Little, have been the "go to" receivers for Weedon and the Brownies.  The two receivers have combined for over 800 yards receiving and 6 TDs.  These young guys are the options that Weedon is looking for on every drop back.  Granted, Massaquoi and Cribbs are also options, but its Gordon and Little that the Steelers secondary will have to look out for as they have made the big plays for this Browns passing attack through the air.

- Prove To Be Dominant - I said this before the Chiefs game, and I will say it again.  The Steelers had their best performance of the year in the loss to the Ravens last week, but they need to continue that play against lesser teams.  The Browns offense is simple.  They run the ball and then look for play action and obvious passing situations.  The Steelers need to not only continue their streak of not allowing a 200yd passer, but they need to completely shut down the Browns.  Send a message that the Steelers D is dominant against EVERY team / offense they face.  The defense has a tough challenge ahead of them, but if they are truly the #1 Defense (which I think they are), they need to dominate this matchup from whistle to whistle.