The Pittsburgh Steelers face off against the Cleveland Browns in Week 14, and our expert breaks down the key factors that will determine the outcome of the game. For the Steelers to win, they need to capitalize on certain circumstances, deploy a smarter run scheme, and ensure George Pickens keeps his cool.
A key factor for the Steelers is taking advantage of game circumstances. The Browns are on the road with a short week coming off Monday night’s loss, which could affect their performance. However, Pittsburgh’s circumstances feel more solvable than before, providing them with an opportunity to capitalize on this fact.
The Steelers’ run scheme was a major issue in their Week 12 loss, and it needs improvement if they want to win. A smarter game plan is necessary, and OC Arthur Smith has time to put something stronger together during the longer week leading up to the game. The team should be running up the middle more often with their inside zone/duo.
Another crucial factor is George Pickens’ ability to stay calm and not take the Browns’ bait. With the Browns’ DBs trying to needle him early, Pickens will be tested from the word go. He must avoid getting drawn into a physical confrontation and maintain his composure to ensure the success of both himself and the offense.
On the other hand, if the Steelers fail to address these issues, they risk losing the game. A continued negative run game could lead to poor performance, while Jameis Winston’s unpredictable nature poses a significant challenge for Pittsburgh’s defense. The team must also find their groove on offense, as the Browns’ countermeasures are well-suited to neutralize their strengths.
In terms of special teams, Pittsburgh has struggled in recent weeks and needs to regain dominance in this area if they want to win. A combination of these factors will determine the outcome of the game, making it an intriguing matchup between two evenly matched opponents.
Source: https://steelersdepot.com/2024/12/steelers-vs-browns-prediction-13