Sanders and Fannin’s connection will need to extend beyond the pass game as well against Pittsburgh’s defense. While the Steelers have been vulnerable against the pass, they have sacked opposing quarterbacks 43 times. The Steelers sacked Gabriel six times in Week 6 and this time around, Fannin and the offensive line will need to protect Sanders on to give him time to make a play.
While operating out of a clean pocket gives Sanders the best chance of success, he has demonstrated the ability to make plays amid pressure. In Week 14 against the Titans, Tennessee sent a blitz and forced Sanders to make a quick decision. He threw the ball to the back corner of the end zone, allowing Fannin to high point the ball and make the catch for a touchdown. Sanders also navigated the Bills rushers collapsing on him in Week 16. He found a slim hole and sped through to pick up the first down, withstanding contact as well for a 13-yard pick up.
“(Elusiveness is) part of his game,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Dec. 21. “That’s one of the things that you saw on tape when he was in college is his ability to make plays that were off schedule.”
Sanders will look to be productive in his first AFC North start against a Steelers’ defense that allows opportunities through the air while also generates pressure. With his familiarity in the offense continuing to grow and his chemistry with Fannin a key part of the Browns’ passing game, Cleveland will rely on Sanders to operate efficiently.
“I think (the points of emphasis are) going to be building off of all the things that we’re doing right now and the really good things that we’re doing,” Stefanski said. “Then it’s going to be a matter of understanding this defense, this Pittsburgh defense, which is different than the team we played before.”