Steelers

Steelers GameDay Preview: at Cleveland

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Steeler Nation is a world-wide army that lives and dies with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The six-time Super Bowl champions are a franchise that considers excellence the only standard, and their fans expect nothing less than hard hitting, top notch football. This is the ultimate Steelers GameDay Preview that all followers of the black and gold come to find everything they need to know about the Steelers and their upcoming opponent! Mike Drakulich (@PghSportsNation), who covers both Pitt football and the Steelers for NGSC Sports, brings you inside the huddle for both teams with a weekly game story, Keys to Victory, score prediction, game day information, a detailed breakdown of each team, and an up to date team injury report. Heck, you’ll even know the weather at kickoff. The only thing you’re missing is a game uniform.

 

Quicksand Offense killing Steelers chances to win

In terms of the Pittsburgh Steelers offense, there is none. It is offensive to watch. In a league where other teams like Buffalo Bills have high powered, fun to watch offenses, the Steelers, under the thumb of Matt Canada being the OC, are stuck in the stone age with zero creativity and no will to win.

Last week, on 3rd and eight, trailing by three late in the game, Pittsburgh QB Mitch Trubisky threw a two yard pass.

Are you serious? Pittsburgh (1-1) punted and never got the ball back, falling to New England 17-14.

Former QB and future Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger had some advice for his former team via a podcast he does weekly.

“Go down the field. Take some shots down the field. Whether that’s the play-calling, whether that’s Mitchell not throwing if it was called, I don’t know. But I just kept sitting there like, ‘Come on. You’ve got to back a defense up.’ … Every once in a while, take one shot. We are missing the explosive plays right now,” Roethlisberger said.

Many fans are begging for Trubisky to benched in favor of 1st round draft pick Kenny Pickett, who played at Pitt. Big Ben disagrees, for now…

“When they drafted Kenny, more than half the city probably wanted him to start right from the get-go. Even before he played a down, because he is a Pitt kid and Mitch comes with some baggage from Chicago,” Roethlisberger said. “But give the man a chance, I thought. And we heard it. They started chanting ‘Kenny.’ I just don’t think it’s fair that it happened to Mitch, because I wouldn’t blame Mitch for the performance.”

That, is the finger pointing directly at Matt Canada for the woes of the offense.

Another former Steelers great, Merril Hoge, also took a shot at Canada, and does believe Pickett will answer the bell if called upon, albeit in a better system employed by Canada.

“I don’t have to guess that he can do that, I watched him do that,” Hoge said of Pickett’s time as a Panther and his ability to become a good NFL quarterback. “That was a true pro-style system.”

In other words, Pitt ran a more pro style offense than the trash you see weekly from the OC.

“I’m a little confused on how he designs the run,” Hoge said. “I don’t know that he threatens the box. I actually think that he adds more people to the box, and he puts more people in bad spots in the running game. Some of his motions, they bring people in, and the jet stuff isn’t affecting anybody. You are pulling somebody into the box. You aren’t affecting anybody on the back end. So now you’ve got more people in there than you even wanted. Schematically, there are some things that don’t make sense with it.”

Trubisky is hoping changes come this Thursday night in Cleveland (1-1) when the Steelers face the Browns at 8:15 pm, Thursday night.

“I like to throw the ball down the field,” Trubisky said. “Why I haven’t, given the certain looks especially early in the game, I couldn’t tell you exactly why.

“But we’re looking for that, and I’m looking for that.”

If not, it could be a long night for the beleaguered offensive unit.

“I’m not worried about mistakes,” Trubisky said. “I do think about protecting the football and being smart and making good decisions, (but) I’m not worried about mistakes. Those happen.

“But, as an offense, we’ve just got to score more points. So, however we do that, that’s got to be our mindset, to score more points.”

The Browns come into this short week without the services of Jadeveon Clowney. Myles Garrett will be playing despite an injury to his neck last week, a game in which the Browns imploded and blew a 13 point lead to Joe Flacco and the Jets with just 1:20 left in the game.

 

Keys to Victory

Overall

  • Woe, Canada: To be honest, as long as Matt Canada is offensive coordinator, the Steelers offense is going to be painful to watch, just as it was last season until the 2nd half of games when Ben Roethlisberger ignored him and just called the game himself.

 Offense

  • Throw deep: The Browns secondary is woeful, and if Matt Canada doesn’t get some play calls that attack downfield, then Cleveland is just going to play one safety over-top, and stack the box.
  • Let the quarterback, you know, quarterback: Like last year until Big Ben said hell with it in the 2nd half of games, Steeler QB’s aren’t given the opportunity to call audibles. What is this, 1955? Take the shackles off and if you are going to lose, go down swinging, with at least trying to win.

Defense

  • Time to gang tackleExpect to see plenty of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. The Steelers defense has to be ready to play physical and somehow contain the vaunted rushing attack of the talented duo Cleveland deploys.
  • Get some damn pressure: What on earth was that last week? Mac Jones didn’t even have to shower after the game as he was never touched once. I realize that T.J. Watt is out, but give me a break. Someone has to be able to get to the quarterback. Design some blitzes–bite someone, but find a way to bring Jacoby Brissett down when he does drop back to pass.

Prediction

My advice before this game? Drink… heavily.

Right now, the Steelers offense is stuck in neutral with Matt Canada as the offensive coordinator. Watching Faces of Death with your grandparents in the living room is less cringeworthy than what Pittsburgh fans have endured with this team on offense the past two years.

The Browns are fresh off one of the most brutal collapses in NFL history, blowing a 13 point lead to the NY Jets with just 1:20 left last week in Cleveland.

Cleveland will be without Jadeveon Clowney, and Myles Garrett will be playing less than 100% in this short week.

The Browns will try to pound the ball, and despite the loss last week and the inability to get the ball back with over six minutes remaining in the game vs the Patriots, the Pittsburgh defense played good, despite getting zero pressure on Mac Jones. A great catch by Nelson Agholor, a dropped interception by Cam Sutton, and a muffed punt return by Gunner Olszewski were the biggest factors in the Steelers 17-14 loss to New England.

Close, excruciating game to watch incoming, a game that will probably set football back 60 years, but somehow Pittsburgh will miracle out a win and leave Browns fans heading for the lake to jump in.

Steelers 17 Browns 16 

 

Game Day Information

NFL Week 3

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns

  • Vegas line: Cleveland -5.5

Game-time: Thursday, September 22nd, 8:15 PM.

Venue: FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, OH.

  • Field: Kentucky Bluegrass

 

TV: Amazon Prime (Local- WPXI-TV)

  • Announcers: Al Michaels (play-by-play) Kirk Herbstreit (analyst) | Kaylee Hartung (sideline)

Local Radio: Pittsburgh- 102.5 WDVE-FM & 970 WBGG-AM

  • Announcers: Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play) Craig Wolfley (analyst) | Max Starks (sideline) Missi Matthews (sideline)

National Radio: Westwood One

  • Announcers: Ian Eagle (play-by-play) Jason McCourty (analyst) |

Internet broadcast: Steelers Nation Radio (SNR) on Steelers.com

 

Weather at kickoff: 59 and very windy. Winds out of the North at 21 mph.

NFL Links

 

Scouting the Pittsburgh Steelers

Overall record: 1-1 (Tied 1st in AFC North)

Last game: New England 17 Pittsburgh 14

Head Coach: Mike Tomlin

  • 15th Season with Steelers
  • Overall regular-season record: 155-86-2
  • Playoff record: 8-9 (Qualified for playoffs 10 times)

Team Links

 

Steelers Offense

Offensive Stats

  • Points per game: 18.5
  • Total yards per game: 264
  • Passing yards per game: 181
  • Rushing yards per game: 83

 

Quarterback

Mitch Trubisky

Looked through two games Too many throws off balance and not enough stepping into the pocket. Refuses to go through progressions and throw deep either by design of fear of being hit.

  • Passing Yards: 362 | TD Passes: 2 | INT’s: 1 | Sacked: 4 | Rushing Yards: 16 | Rushing TD’s: 0

Back-up: Kenny Pickett

 

Running Backs

Najee Harris

Did as well as he could with limited room to run with. Lacking a burst right now and not hitting the holes at full speed.

  • Rushing Yards: 72 | Rushing TD’s: 0 | Receptions: 7 | Receiving Yards: 43 | Receiving TD’s: 1

Jaylon Warren

Good change of pace back when he comes in for relief of Harris.

  • Rushing Yards: 22 | Rushing TD’s: 0 | Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0

Benny Snell, Jr.

  • Rushing Yards: 0 | Rushing TD’s: 0 | Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0

 

Wide Receivers

Diontae Johnson

Has been Pittsburgh’s most consistent threat as a receiver. 

  • Receptions: 13 | Receiving Yards: 112 | Receiving TD’s: 0

Chase Claypool

The overall stats don’t show it, but Claypool has been good when utilized.

  • Receptions: 8 | Receiving Yards: 44 | Receiving TD’s: 0 | Rushing Yards: 36 | Rushing TD’s: 0

George Pickens

Lots of untapped talent just waiting for the ball to be thrown in his direction. Will be a factor if ever given the chance.

  • Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 26 | Receiving TD’s: 0

Myles Boykin

Has good hands and runs routes well, but no stats in two games.

  • Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0

Gunner Olszewski

Good in open space, if ever thrown the ball.

  • Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0

Steven Sims

  • Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0

 

Tight Ends

Pat Friermuth

Could become one of the best tight ends in the game if the Pittsburgh passing game ever gets unleashed.

  • Receptions: 9 | Receiving Yards: 97 | Receiving TD’s: 1

Zach Gentry

Gentry is getting better each year and could make some noise in the redzone, especially in two tight end sets.

  • Receptions: 2 | Receiving Yards: 40 | Receiving TD’s: 0

Conner Heyward

Plays hard and will shine when called upon to perform.

  • Receptions: 0 | Receiving Yards: 0 | Receiving TD’s: 0

 

Placekicker

Chris Boswell

One of the best clutch kickers in the game.

  • Extra Points: 2-2
  • Field Goals: 5-6
  • 1-19 yards: 0-0
  • 20-29 yards: 1-1
  • 30-39 yards: 1-1
  • 40-49 yards: 1-1
  • 50+ yards: 2-3

*Injured/Out

 

Steelers Defense (Base 3-4)

Defensive Stats

  • Points per game allowed: 18.5
  • Total offense yards per game allowed: 404
  • Passing yards allowed: 275.5
  • Rushing yards allowed: 128.5
  • Sacks: 7
  • Interceptions: 5

 

Stat Leaders

Tackles

  • 23- Myles Jack
  • 20- Minkah Fitzpatrick
  • 12- Alex Highsmith
  • 11- Robert Spillane
  • 10- Terrell Edmunds and Ahkello Witherspoon

 Sacks

  • 3- Alex Highsmith
  • 1- T.J. Watt, Robert Spillane, Arthur Maulet, and Cam Heyward

Interceptions

  • 2- Minkah Fitzpatrick
  • 1- Cam Sutton, T.J. Watt, and Ahkello Witherspoon

 

Defensive Starters

DE: Cam Heyward | DT: Tyson Alualu | DE: Larry Ogunjobi

One of the best 3-4 defensive lines in football. Cam Heyward is a future HOF and Larry Ogunjobi has been a major addition.

OLB: Malik Reed | ILB: Devin Bush | ILB: Myles Jack | OLB: Alex Highsmith.

With T.J. Watt out, Malik Reed will have to step up his game. Myles Jack looked great in opener, as did Devin Bush. Alex Highsmith played outstanding with three sacks.

CB: Levi Wallace | SS: Terrell Edmunds | FS: Minkah Fitzpatrick | CB: Cameron Sutton/Ahkello Witherspoon

Minkah Fitzpatrick showed the world why he is one of the best safeties in the game. Despite being on the field for 45 minutes and under attack all day from a Bengals team playing from behind, the secondary played superb.

 

Steelers Special Teams

Kickoff Returners

Gunner Olszewski

  • Average: 1.0 | TD Returns: 0

 

Punt Returner

Gunner Olszewski

One of the top returners in the NFL. Good at finding space, turning up the speed and finding a hole. Cannot afford any more muffed punt returns, which cost the Steelers dearly vs New England.

  • Average: 10.0 | TD Returns: 0

 

Scouting the Cleveland Browns

Overall record: 1-1 (Tied 1st in AFC North)

Last game: NY Jets 31 Cleveland 30

Head Coach: Kevin Stefanski

  • 3rd Season with Cleveland 
  • Overall regular-season record: 20-15 | 20-15 with Browns
  • Playoff Record: 1-1 I 1-1 with the Browns

Team Links

 

Browns Offense

Offensive Stats

  • Points per game: 28
  • Total Offense per game: 388.5
  • Passing yards per game: 200.5
  • Rushing yards per game: 188

 

Quarterback

Jacoby Brissett

Nothing to write home about, and just there as a game manager until DeShaun Watson serves his suspension.

  • Passing Yards: 376 | TD Passes: 2 | INT’s: 1 | Sacked: 2 | Rushing Yards: 53 | Rushing TD’s: 0

Back-up: Josh Dobbs

 

Running Backs

Nick Chubb

One of the best backs in the game, who runs hard with power.

  • Rushing Yards: 228 | Rushing TD’s: 3 | Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 28 | Receiving TD’s: 0

Kareem Hunt

Great change of pace back for the Browns with great speed and excellent hands.

  • Rushing Yards: 104 | Rushing TD’s: 1 | Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 40 | Receiving TD’s: 1

Dometric Felton

 

  • Rushing Yards: -4 | Rushing TD’s: 0 | Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 3 | Receiving TD’s: 1

 

Receivers

 Amari Cooper

The Browns top option at wide out.

  • Receptions: 12 | Receiving Yards: 118 | Receiving TD’s: 1

Donovan Peoples-Jones

Has talent, but often disappears during games. Had good stats week one, then zilch last week.

  • Receptions: 6 | Receiving Yards: 60 | Receiving TD’s: 0

Anthony Schwartz

Barely used so far in 2022.

  • Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 19 | Receiving TD’s: 0

David Bell

Another WR that never sees the ball come his way.

  • Receptions: 1 | Receiving Yards: 6 | Receiving TD’s: 0

 

Tight Ends

Harrison Bryant

Next to Cooper, one to watch in short yardage situations and in the redzone.

  • Receptions: 5 | Receiving Yards: 63 | Receiving TD’s: 0

David Njoku

Has talent, but we have yet to see it on a consistent basis.

  • Receptions: 4 | Receiving Yards: 39 | Receiving TD’s: 0

 

Placekicker

Cade York

  • Extra Points: 5-6
  • Field Goals: 5-5
  • 1-19 yards: 0-0
  • 20-29 yards: 2-2
  • 30-39 yards: 2-2
  • 40-49 yards: 0-0
  • 50+ yards: 1-1

*Injured/out

 

Browns Defense (Base 4-3) 

Defensive Stats

  • Points per game allowed: 27.5
  • Total offense yards per game allowed: 331.5
  • Passing yards allowed: 258
  • Rushing yards allowed: 73.5
  • Sacks: 6
  • Interceptions: 1

 

Stat Leaders

Tackles

  • 14- Jeremiah Owsusu-Koramoah
  • 13- John Johnson III
  • 9- Grant Delpit and Martin Emerson, Jr.
  • 7- Anthony Walker, Jr. and Greg Newsome II

Sacks

  • 3- Myles Garrett
  • 1.5- Jadeveon Clowney
  • 0.5- John Johnson III, Ronnie Harrison, Jr., and Tommy Togiai

Interceptions

  • 1- Grant Delpit

 

Browns Special Teams

Kickoff Returners

Jerome Ford

  • Average: 32.0 | TD Returns: 0

 

Punt Returner

Demetric Felton

  • Average: 6.0 | TD Returns: 0

 

Steelers vs Browns History

Series History: Began in 1950

Overall Record: 79-61-1

  • Home: 50-22
  • Away: 29-39-1
  • Postseason: 2-1

Streak: Steelers won the last two games.

Last regular-season meeting: Steelers Win, 26-14 (Jan. 3, 2022)

Last postseason meeting: Browns Win, 48-37 (Jan. 10, 2021)

 

Injury Report (9/21/22)

Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Out: None
  • Doubtful: None
  • Questionable: None

 

Cleveland Browns

  • Out: DE Jadeveon Clowney (Ankle)
  • Doubtful: None
  • Questionable: None

 

 

 

 

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About Post Author

Mike Drakulich

From Midland, "The Basketball Capital of Pennsylvania", located 35 miles NW of Pittsburgh along the Ohio River. This former steel town was home to storied athletes such as Dave Alston, Norm Van Lier, Simmie Hill, and the legendary 1965 Midland High School Basketball Team. There's nowhere on earth that is more dedicated to its sports teams like Western Pennsylvania and the city of Pittsburgh. The passion and pride of Pittsburgh's fan base is second to no one. From the NFL, NHL, MLB, NCAA football and basketball, to W.P.I.A.L. high school sports, "The City of Champions" has it all! As Editor of Pittsburgh SportsNation, Mike Drakulich provides top notch opinions and coverage of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pitt Panthers football & basketball, Robert Morris Colonials basketball, and Duquesne Dukes basketball, as well as all sports teams that represent Western Pennsylvania, including WPIAL High School Football. For a refreshing view of sports, mixed with humor and uncensored opinions, check out Pittsburgh SportsNation today on Facebook, Twitter @PghSportsNation and videos with over 1,000,000 views on YouTube!
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Mike DrakulichYour source for Pittsburgh sports!
From Midland, "The Basketball Capital of Pennsylvania", located 35 miles NW of Pittsburgh along the Ohio River. This former steel town was home to storied athletes such as Dave Alston, Norm Van Lier, Simmie Hill, and the legendary 1965 Midland High School Basketball Team.

There's nowhere on earth that is more dedicated to its sports teams like Western Pennsylvania and the city of Pittsburgh. The passion and pride of Pittsburgh's fan base is second to no one. From the NFL, NHL, MLB, NCAA football and basketball, to W.P.I.A.L. high school sports, "The City of Champions" has it all!

As Editor of Pittsburgh SportsNation, Mike Drakulich provides top notch opinions and coverage of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pitt Panthers football & basketball, Robert Morris Colonials basketball, and Duquesne Dukes basketball, as well as all sports teams that represent Western Pennsylvania, including WPIAL High School Football.

For a refreshing view of sports, mixed with humor and uncensored opinions, check out Pittsburgh SportsNation today on Facebook, Twitter @PghSportsNation and videos with over 1,000,000 views on YouTube!

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