Browns @ Steelers: Official Game Thread

In week 16, the Steelers earned a decisive victory against the Texans and a 1st round bye in the playoffs. Now the Steelers travel back to Heinz Field to host the Browns.

For the Steelers to win:
The Steelers need to play a complete game (Offense, Defense, Special Teams for 60 min.).
The Steelers need to avoid playing down to the competition.
The Steelers offense needs to run the ball effectively.
The Steelers defense needs to defend the run effectively.
The Steelers defense needs to pressure Deshone Kiser (9 TDs; 21 INTs).
The Steelers defense needs to limit the number of big plays given up.
The Steelers need to score TDs and not settle for FGs.
The Steelers need to win the turnover battle.
The Steelers offensive line needs to protect Landry Jones.
The Steelers wide receivers need to continue to step up since AB won't play.


From Steelers Depot:
Steelers Versus Browns Week 17 Projected Inactive List

Antonio Brown – Brown is an easy guess again this week as he was ruled out for the Sunday game against the Browns by head coach Mike Tomlin several days ago. Brown is still rehabbing the left calf that he injured in the team’s Week 15 loss to the New England Patriots. The Steelers are two weeks away from their first playoff game and hopefully Brown will be ready to play by then. With Brown out again, fellow wide receiver Justin Hunter will dress on Sunday.

Ben Roethlisberger – All reports indicate that Roethlisberger won’t play against the Browns and that should result in him being inactive. The Steelers starting quarterback was also inactive for the team’s 2016 regular season finale against the Browns. With Roethlisberger expected to be inactive, it should result in rookie quarterback Joshua Dobbs dressing for the first time this season. Dobbs will likely backup Sunday starter Landry Jones.

Le’Veon Bell – Like Roethlisberger, Bell is expected to be inactive on Sunday. The Steelers running back has touched the football 406 times this season and leads all NFL running backs in offensive snaps played this season. With Bell likely to be inactive on Sunday it should result in running backs Stevan Ridley and Fitzgerald Toussaint both getting extensive playing time against the Browns.

Maurkice Pouncey – While his hip injury isn’t a big concern, Pouncey still ended the week listed as questionable after only practicing fully on Friday. Like last year’s regular season finale against the Browns, Pouncey will more than likely be one of the Steelers seven inactive players on Sunday. If that winds up being the case, B.J. Finney should get the start at center in his place.

Cameron Heyward – There is no reason to play Heyward against the Browns. The Steelers took it easy on him during practice this past week and that’s a sign he’ll be inactive on Sunday. Additionally, Steelers defensive tackle Daniel McCullers has already announced that he’ll dress against the Browns as the team’s fifth defensive lineman.

David DeCastro – The first five players on this list are fairly easy to predict, but the last two aren’t. Personally, I would make DeCastro inactive on Sunday along with Pouncey and especially if guard Ramon Foster is ready to return from his concussion. I would give Matt Feiler the start at right guard in his place. Foster, however, could just as easily be one of the seven inactives and it will be interesting to see which way Tomlin goes here. Expect Feiler and tackle Jerald Hawkins to both dress.

Joe Haden – This last spot almost has to go to a defensive back. Being as I have no clue as to which way Tomlin will go here, I will go with who I would choose for this last spot and that’s Haden. He returned from his fractured fibula last week and played well. As a result of that, I would preserve Haden this week and let rookie Cameron Sutton start in his place. If Haden’s not the choice, perhaps Tomlin will give safety Mike Mitchell Sunday off. regardless, I expect cornerback Brian Allen and safety J.J. Wilcox to both dress against the Browns.

 

Tunch Ilkin's 3 keys to the game:

Key # 1: Keep Your Foot On The Accelerator (Jump On The Browns Early)
Key # 2: Stop Gordon And Crowell
Key # 3: Pick Up The Blitz (Of The Browns)

 

I don't agree with Ben taking the game off because he comes back from time off rusty. 3 weeks until he will take the field again? I really question that, play them at least the first half.

 

Arrive at Heinz Field in time for the kick off.

 

Agree 100%.
I would have treated it as a regular game for EVERYONE. Let them all go thru the entire week preparing like they are starting and playing the entire game and then scoreboard watch. They’re just handing the Patriots home field. They were lucky to win last year’s finale but this year I think Lynan’s beloved Browns win and he goes sailing into the off-season victorious.

Also, It goes completely against Tomlin’s aggressive style.

 

Today is “thank you fans” day but I wonder how many empty seats there will be with key starters sitting combined with the bitterly cold weather. Expect a pre-season game turnout.

 

I would sit Bell but everyone healthy should be a go. Ben has only been sacked 16 times so while there's always some soreness, he should be OK. I'm sure the Pats win but still, you gotta keep guys sharp.

 

They could have pulled the plug on Bell today not on Wed. Mental sharpness is just as important as physical sharpness. He could also just play on a couple of passing downs and let Ridley and Toussaint have all the running plays. If ur gonna go into the game with a state of mind that someone is gonna get hurt may as well just forfeit and stay home.

I think the NYJ are not being given a fair chance to win, they’ve been playing hard and gritty all year. Plus It’s a division game and u just never know in those type games. Of course they could roll over today and get blown out but let the scoreboard dictate that not “what everyone thinks”

 

Good play calling and execution.

Great start!

Good Guys 7
Bad Guys 0

 

Great run by DHB. The Browns missed a lot of tackles, and Ridley fell or he might have scored

 

My thinking is different here. Since Ben will already have the equivalent of a bye week whether he plays this week or not you might as well give him two weeks off in my opinion.

I really think Tomlin has figured a lot of things out this year: when to rest players, how to beat the patriots (although he will need to beat the refs as well), how to develop young guys rather than play over the hill ones.


I am certain Tomlin is thrilled about the Tech seal of approval lol

 

AULUALU !!

 

Our blocking was great on first drive. Our D-line and defense looking great too.

2 sacks already!!

 

In other news,

The Cobra Kai 7
Jets 0

 

great return Rogers...anyways great drives by both sides of the ball to start.

 

Rogers is really having the light click on at the right time.

 

Was being sarcastic, he lost 4 yards on his return.

 

Landry putting his stain on the game. Pick/INT and wastes great field position. Well he does that sort of thing but he also usually bounces back and has some nice throws. Let’s hope that happens.

 

Nice throw Jones, that had no chance to be completed. triple coverage and a badly underthrown pass equals pick for the Browns

 

I recognized the sarcasm but he has started doing really well lately ... a popular blog around here had a nice write-up about that this week.


http://www.steelersdepot.com/2017/12/film-room-eli-rogers-posts-breakout-game-punt-return-role/