Alright we are just hours away from the first meeting in 2008 against the Browns hated foes, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are coming off an impressive win against the Houston Texans and the Browns will be trying to rebound after a dreadful loss to the NFC favorite Dallas Cowboys.
Cleveland needs to establish themselves up front on both sides of the ball if they want to have a chance today. Pittsburgh's offensive line, which was referred to as patchwork, looked pretty solid against the Texans young and up and coming defensive line.
If the Browns don't get to Big Ben today it will be a looooooong game. He will sit back and pick the secondary apart. Willie Parker looks refreshed as well after recovering from a broken ankle in the off season. Santonio Holmes is poised for s breakout season, and what better game to start his breakout than against Cleveland.
On defense, Pittsburgh is still able to apply pressure regardless of who they put in the lineup, which does not bode well for Cleveland. Lamar Woodley will haunt Cleveland for years to come. He was everywhere last week and I have a feeling he and Derek Anderson are going to meet face to face today.
Keys for a Cleveland Victory:
Cleveland needs to establish the run early and force the Steelers to load the box leaving their corners on an island against the Browns receivers.
Derek Anderson needs to make good decisions with the football.
Braylon Edwards needs to CATCH the football.
Jamal Lewis needs to get at least 25 touches and get over 100 yards.
On Defense:
The defense needs to apply a pass rush; they don't need sacks, they just need to get their hands on Roethlisberger.
The linebackers need to stay home and not over pursue.
Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald need to be physical all day.
Nick Sorenson needs................ to be on the bench. This one is a big concern.
Well after all is said and done, unfortunately this will be too much for Cleveland to overcome. Pittsburgh will prevail, in a shootout, 42-38.
The Browns have their work cut out for them.
