OFFENSE
| Category | Browns | Steelers |
| Points Scored | 16.8 (29th) | 21.6 (11th) |
| Passing | 181.6 (24th) | 241.5 (7th) |
| Rushing | 85.9 (30th) | 105.0 (19th) |
| Total Offense (yards) | 267.5 (29th) | 346.5 (7th) |
DEFENSE
| Category | Browns | Steelers |
| Points Scored | 22.1 (23rd) | 21.4 (20th) |
| Passing | 208.4 (16th) | 201.1 (14th) |
| Rushing | 131.8 (24th) | 100.3 (8th) |
| Total Defense (yards) | 340.2 (21st) | 301.4 (10th) |
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Quarterback The status of the Browns quarterback position is in question, because assuming Derek Anderson starts, the Steelers should be ready. The Steelers won't wait around and play back like the Chiefs did - they'll attack the line of scrimmage. How Anderson responds to that remains to be seen. The reason the Steelers don't have the advantage is due to their lack of depth at the receiver position with all of their injuries. Ben Roethlisberger already throws too many interceptions, as we saw the first time he faced us. He'll have to step his game up to move the ball with backups in the game. |
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Running Back The Steelers running game is no doubtedly weaker than it has been in the past, but with both starting receivers out, Pittsburgh will try and pound the ball with Willie Parker and Najeh Davenport. The Browns are coming off our best running-back combination of the season, but consistency is the issue here. Jason Wright did a good job the first time he faced Pittsburgh, but this is a completely different game. Until our offense line can create penetration for two weeks in a row, we don't deserve to be ranked evenly at this position. If Anderson struggles to throw, the Steelers will stack the line of scrimmage with defenders, only making things tougher. |
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Receiver If you've seen a weaker group of wide receivers heading into this game than the Steelers have, I'd like to know about it. Nothing against Nate Washington and Santonio Holmes, but it's rare that a team has to start two rookie wideouts because their veteran receivers are out with injuries. The Browns finally got Joe Jurevicius involved in the offense properly last week by using Kellen Winslow as a so called "decoy". Braylon Edwards, despite not having a touchdown the first time around, basically had his way with beating the Steelers defensive backs. With Troy Polamalu out this time around, maybe he won't be able to chase him down on a spring to the end zone. |
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Offensive Line Kelly Butler filled in rather well for Ryan Tucker once again last week, as our offensive line turned in perhaps their best half of football of the season when Anderson was under center. Just like the running back situation though, the consistency factor comes into play here. When Frye faced the Steelers a few weeks ago, he didn't have a whole lot of time to throw, and our offensive line could not come through when it was time to put the game away. The Steelers kept Big Ben on his feet for most of the game, and whenever we did reach him, we either let him go or were called for a penalty. |
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Defensive Line Orpheus Roye will miss his opportunity to face his old team in Pittsburgh again, allowing Simon Fraser to have his sights set on Roethlisberger again. If you remember correctly, Fraser was fined for knocking Roethlisberger around after an interception the last time we faced them. This time, hopefully Fraser can make a play while he still has the football. Meanwhile, the Steelers still have one of the league's best nose tackles in Casey Hampton, and they know how to open holes for their linebackers to blitz through and attempt to take down Anderson. |
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Linebacker There was nothing better than Kellen Winslow shoving Joey Porter to the ground a few weeks ago, and I'm looking forward to another encounter between the two of them today. Willie McGinest has turned in several solid games over the past couple of weeks while guys like D'Qwell Jackson, Andra Davis, and Kamerion Wimbley have started to defend the run better. Dropping back into coverage and blitzes are still issues for them though, which is complete to the contrary of the talent level of the Steelers group. |
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Secondary The last time we faced Roethlisberger, Daven Holly picked him off twice, taking one back the distance. However, when the Steelers went no huddle, our secondary was exposed. Having Leigh Bodden in the lineup will put a stop to that this time around, and with Brian Russell ruled out at safety, Brodney Pool will get his chance to shine. The Steelers are without both of their starting safeties, Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark. Considering that their cornerbacks have already struggled this season, they have a huge hole that they need to fill. This position isn't favored for Cleveland slightly, it's favored by a whole lot. |
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Special Teams Cribbs has returned the ball well all season, but his only return that went the distance came against the Steelers. Pittsburgh actually had some good returns against us, which is unusual because they really aren't very strong at that part of the game. Fans in Pittsburgh have complained that Chris Gardocki is past his prime, while fans in Cleveland are in awe at how much of a blessing Dave Zastudil has been for us. It won't be easy to kick on either side though, especially with snow in the forecast. |
This is the official gameday thread for today's game. Any comments you would like to make before, during, or after the game should be placed into this thread. Enjoy the game, and GO BROWNS!
0 recs | 12 comments
Re: Browns vs. Steelers Gameday Preview
I sure would like to watch this game at home. I live in TX, so few Browns games make network TV. I'm in an apartment with an obstructed view, so no DirecTV or Dish. And I have Time Warner Cable, so no NFL Network.NFL and Time Warner - this is crap. Your stupid feud is hurting the fans. You're both wrong, and I find it particularly insulting that two enormous commercial entities like you are using my passion as a fan as a weapon, organizing ad campaigns each encouraging me to blame the other party.
On the bright side, I feel really good about tonight's game, and I'd like to see a big win tonight! (It wouldn't hurt if Joey Porter got knocked around some more.)
Go Browns!
mkwng @ Dawgs By Nature - December 7, 2006
Re: Browns vs. Steelers Gameday Preview
Per ClevelandBrowns.com:Other inactives for the Browns include Orpheus Roye (knee), Jerome Harrison, Rob Smith, Isaac Sowells, Fred Matua, and Travis Wilson. Simon Fraser will start in place of Roye.
As declared earlier in the week, Steelers safety Troy Polamalu (knee) and receiver Hines Ward (knee) will miss the game, along with receiver Cedrick Wilson (ankle) and safety Ryan Clark (groin). Also inactive for the Steelers will be center Marvin Philip, guard Chris Kemoeatu and tackle Willie Colon.
Nate Washington will start in place of Ward, while Santonio Holmes will start in place of Wilson. Tyrone Carter will start in place of Polamalu while Anthony Smith will start in place of Clark. Finally, Bryant McFadden will start in place of cornerback Ike Taylor.
Chris Pokorny - December 7, 2006
Re: Browns vs. Steelers Gameday Preview
This just feels weird. The only Thursday night game I see all year is the Season Opener. It's like going out on a school night.It's half-time...this sucks, but that's why they play two halves....Go Browns!
gennifer6 - December 7, 2006
Re: Browns vs. Steelers Gameday Preview
Derek Anderson made some great reads in the first half, and our offensive line picked up the blitz very well in passing situations. However, the drops by our receivers have killed us, and we must stop giving up first downs on 3rd-and-9.Chris Pokorny - December 7, 2006
Re: Browns vs. Steelers Gameday Preview
I'd like to see Dennis Northcut get pulled in the 2nd half. He's killing us out there.APV @ Dawgs By Nature - December 7, 2006
Re: Browns vs. Steelers Gameday Preview
I prefer the CBS announcers over Bryant Gumbel.Good shot of Crennel chewing out Northcutt.
palcal - December 7, 2006
Re: Browns vs. Steelers Gameday Preview
Steelers don't seem to be playing particularly well but they are slicing through the Browns defense like warm butter.palcal - December 7, 2006
Re: Browns vs. Steelers Gameday Preview
Ack, was I wrong with my prediction or what. If our receivers (mainly Northcutt) didn't have their early drops, I actually believe we could've been in this game until the end. Our defense has played like crap for three weeks in a row...what's happened Mr. Grantham?I know we've had offensive line issues, but the defensive line needs a major overhaul...get rid of all three of them if we have to.
Chris Pokorny - December 7, 2006
Re: Browns vs. Steelers Gameday Preview
Why did the Steelers show up to play and the Browns didn't?That has to be laid at the doorstep of Romeo. If Lerner is fed up with being embarrassed by the divisional opponents twice a year, Romeo will be gone after this season. He is clearly not a motivator.
The radio announcers noted that the Browns body language showed defeat midway through the game while the Steelers were pumped up on the sidelines.
Also, Winslow's bush league penalty shows that the coaching staff is not inculcating discipline in the team.
It will be interesting to hear Lerner's assessment of this game and Savage's attempt to show support of Crennel.
palcal - December 8, 2006
Re: Browns vs. Steelers Gameday Preview
Porter calls Browns "soft" and Winslow a name.Edwards says "We fight hard. It's just that there are a lot of other things that are bothering us, everybody in this whole organization. There's not one thing you can point at and say, 'You know, what if we can do this better, we'll win; if we can get this together, we'll win.' There are other things that are going on that I won't comment on that are affecting us."
Does Edwards want Crennel out?
It sounds like Edwards himself and Winslow are doing a pretty good job of destroying team morale and Crennel doesn't have the fortitude to take charge.
palcal - December 8, 2006
Re: Browns vs. Steelers Gameday Preview
It's so painful to see Crennel just stand their. I can't explain it...just seeing a guy with his weight and that same stare looks like he's not doing anything for motivation.And, by the way, Bryant Gumbel was awful last night...yuck...
Chris Pokorny - December 8, 2006
Re: Browns vs. Steelers Gameday Preview
Now I really have no idea what's going on in Berea. I mean clueless.....gennifer6 - December 8, 2006
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