As we’ve performed previously, under are the keys and my prediction of the Pittsburgh Steelers successful (or shedding) at the moment’s sport. Three issues that have to occur for them to finish up on the suitable aspect of the rating and vice versa of their Week 14 sport towards the Cleveland Browns.
My Steelers’ prediction is on the backside.
The Steelers Will Win If…
1. Take Advantage Of Game Circumstance
On paper, the schedule makes me really feel much less nervous than earlier than. In Week 12, the Steelers have been the highway staff on a brief week coming off an emotionally charged win over the Baltimore Ravens. Now, the Browns are the highway staff and on a brief week coming off Monday evening’s highway loss to the Denver Broncos. I don’t assume they’ll be as damage by that given how acquainted these two groups are and the way lately that performed.
Still, Pittsburgh’s circumstances really feel extra solvable than earlier than. And that works of their favor supplied they will benefit from these information.
2. They Deploy A Smarter Run Scheme
The largest challenge I had within the Week 12 loss was the staff’s horrid run scheme. Too easy, too repeated, particularly in short-yardage moments. Gap schemes grew to become much less efficient all through and so they couldn’t block the bottom linebacker, asking out-leveraged linemen to make unimaginable blocks.
Pittsburgh must be operating up the center extra usually with their inside zone/duo and belief the inside line to get a push. Overall, OC Arthur Smith wants to point out a greater sport plan and an extended week, to bounce off the above level, will give him time to place one thing stronger collectively.
3. George Pickens Keeps His Cool
Everyone’s speaking about it however it’s so-obviously essential. Browns’ DBs will attempt to needle him early. They already are. I’m positive Tomlin and the teaching workers have harped on all of it week. Pickens, keep calm and don’t take the Browns’ bait. Saying and doing are two various things and Pickens might be examined from the phrase go. But it’s essential to his and this offense’s success.
The Steelers Will Lose If…
1. Run Game Negativity Continues
I do know I discussed run sport above however this can be a separate level and it’s so essential to the staff’s success. One knowledge level I simply appeared up yesterday I needed to share. In the Week 12 loss to the Browns, the Steelers had a whopping 13 runs (excluding kneeldowns) that gained zero or misplaced yards. That is probably the most of any staff in a single sport this season. Not a quantity Pittsburgh can afford to copy.
A better sport plan like outlined within the “win” part is essential however regardless of the scheme, the Steelers can’t maintain stacking up these detrimental performs and anticipate to remain on schedule, convert on third down, and rating.
2. Winston Wins The Cup
Stretching a Winston Cup reference? Almost actually. But to the purpose, Browns QB Jameis Winston is probably the most up-and-down quarterback you’re ever going to say. Huge arm expertise and shades of brilliance. Moments the place he appears like a practice wreck. Last week’s 497-yard, 4 landing, three interception efficiency towards Denver says all of it. Gotta capitalize on the probabilities and never let him make the big-time throws he’s able to.
3. Offense Can’t Find Its Groove
And I imply that in a particular sense. The Browns counter the Steelers’ pass-game strengths nicely. Talented and aggressive corners. And the presence of Myles Garrett takes away Pittsburgh’s play-action and bootleg sport, two staple components of their offense. Against Cleveland, Russell Wilson ran solely two bootlegs, one in every of which got here when Garrett was subbed off the sector. Of course, throwing vertically and taking deeper drops and needing extra time whenever you’re coping with Garrett is difficult.
If Pittsburgh’s passing sport can’t play somewhat left-handed, relying extra on the quick-game than what they ideally need to (or have some nice approaches to do the issues they like), Wilson may have a harder time.
3a. Special Teams Continue To Slide
Bonus one. Wanted to say particular groups that haven’t been as particular in Pittsburgh the previous couple of weeks. Last time, P Corliss Waitman’s 15-yard shank within the snow was a crusher. But the Steelers have additionally had a discipline aim blocked and the kick protection unit was weak towards the Bengals. Need to get again to dominance right here to win in all three phases.
Prediction
Steelers: 26
Browns: 16
Season Prediction Record
5-7
(This is horrible, I perceive)
