Coming off arguably their biggest victory of the season, the Pittsburgh Steelers will play their 16th game of the year on Sunday night against their fellow AFC North members, the Cleveland Browns. With a win, the Steelers will punch their ticket to the playoffs.
Below are five key things I believe the Steelers will need to do to come away with their tenth win of the year.
Run the Show – Last week versus the Detroit Lions, the Steelers offense looked the best it has all season. Aaron Rodgers has been in total control for the past three weeks, giving a spark to the passing game.
The running game burst onto the scene last week. Not only did they top 100 yards for the seventh time this season, they also more than doubled that mark. Jaylen Warren set a career high with 143 yards. It was his second game over the century mark this season and the fourth of his career.
That helped provide the most balanced offense of the season with 251 yards passing and 230 on the ground.
Cleveland’s defense is in the middle of the pack in yards allowed on the ground this season. However, they are allowing just four yards per carry, tied for fifth best in the league. Over the last three games, they have allowed a hefty 490 yards (163.3 per game). The yards per carry for that time period is 5.05.
Based on those numbers, along with Pittsburgh playing without DK Metcalf, running the ball effectively and running it often will go a long way toward victory.
Welcome Him to the North – The Browns have used three quarterbacks this season. Each of them led the team to a single victory. None of those wins have come against the AFC North.
Shedeur Sanders is now at the helm and has had some good moments. All five of his starts have come outside of the division. He faced Baltimore in relief of Dillon Gabriel in Week 11.
In the last three weeks, the league has been difficult for the young signal caller. Over that time period, he’s averaged 209 yards per game. And that is boosted by a 351-yard performance against Tennessee. He has thrown six interceptions and fumbled once. He has also been sacked nine times.
The Browns lost stellar rookie running back Quinshon Judkins in Week 16 for the season, putting more on the shoulders of Sanders.
The Steelers defense should be well prepared to welcome him properly to the AFC North. They too are coming off their best game of the season (prior to the last five minutes of the game). Teryl Austin’s game plan was able to manage the then-No. 1 scoring offense.
Cleveland has allowed 43 sacks this season. Austin should have everyone dialed up and ready to attack Sanders from all angles.
Continue Spreading the Wealth – Losing DK Metcalf for the rest of the regular season isn’t what the team wanted. However, it should be something they can overcome. While Metcalf is leading the team in yards and touchdown receptions, replacing his per game production may not be too big to handle.
On the season, he is averaging four receptions and 57 yards per game. The biggest difference may be the coverages the team sees as Metcalf often had double coverage on third downs.
So far this season, Rodgers has spread the ball around consistently. In only three games, has he completed passes to six or fewer receivers. In nine of the games, he has completed throws to eight or more receivers. The rock is being shared.
Six different receivers have led the team in receptions during a game. Six different receivers have led the team in yards in a game. Last week, they had important contributions from guys like Adam Thielen and Scotty Miller.
The key is going to be getting open. The Browns have allowed the second fewest passing yards. Part of that is definitely from the other teams having a lead. Rodgers will throw it to whoever is open. Let everyone share in replacing Metcalf.
Protect the Passer – Despite being on their fourth string left tackle, the Steelers offensive line has had a good year. The team currently sits as ninth best at not allowing sacks, and Rodgers is thankful. He is the all-time leader in being sacked and sits just four sacks shy of 600 in his career.
While much of the Browns team has not been above average, the defense can get after the quarterback. Their defense is currently third in the league with 49 sacks. Six ahead of Pittsburgh, which is in sixth place.
The leader of that group and the league is Myles Garrett. He is just half a sack short of tying the league record shared by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt. Garrett has been a monster all season and has 44.9 percent of the Browns sacks this season. In 2021 when Watt tied Strahan, he accounted for 40.9 percent of the Steeler sacks. Another interesting note. Garrett himself has four more sacks than the entire 49ers roster.
Garrett will definitely set his sights on Dylan Cook, who will be making his third start. An effective running game will go a long way to help protect the quarterback, but Cook will get help as well. Keep Rodgers upright and hope he can keep they groove in which he is currently playing.
Don’t Give it Away – A playoff bid could be on the line, depending on the outcome of Baltimore’s game against Green Bay on Saturday. Regardless, if the Steelers win, they’re in.
History is on the side of the Steelers. They have been historically good against the Browns regardless of the venue. But they have also slipped up in games they “should win” in the past. That is where ball security can rear its ugly head.
This time of year, everyone has their share of bumps, bruises and injuries. Any advantage a team can garner can make a substantial difference.
The Browns have forced 11 fumbles this year and recovered six. They also have 10 interceptions. A couple of bounces in their favor can make a game uncomfortable. Look at the games on Christmas. The Chiefs with a third string quarterback nearly beat the Broncos. The Vikings, with a third string quarterback, knocked the Lions out of playoff contention.
The Steelers can’t take this game lightly. Get the win, and they can rest their starters the final week.