The Browns’ game-changing strategies for defeating the Steelers on Monday Night Football
The Browns will look to build on their 1-0 start to the season in Week 2.
The Browns will travel to Pittsburgh for Monday Night Football at Acrisure Stadium on September 18. The Browns had a flawless start to the regular season and will face a different division opponent in Week 2.
The Browns and Steelers have a lengthy history, so Monday’s game will be crucial.
Let’s take a look at the three most critical criteria that will determine whether the Browns beat the Steelers on Monday Night Football.
Take on the LB team. T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, both OLBs
It’s a difficult job. LB T.J. Watt and OLB Alex Highsmith were hot topics during the week of practice building up to Monday’s game for both players and coaches. And with good reason. Watt has 15 career sacks versus the Browns and has three against the 49ers in Week 1 of this year.
OC They are a dynamic pair, and Alex Van Pelt observed on Friday the difficulties they pose for the Browns offense.
“It’s definitely a number one priority for us, is to make sure we take care of the edge,” Van Pelt stated. As you’re aware,
You can talk about T.J. all you want, but Highsmith is a Pro-Bowler and an excellent pass rusher on the other side. not just one side, then. We must remain focused since both sides are really involved.
While RT Dawand Jones will get the ball first and face Watt, there are other competitions as well.
On Saturday, TE coach TC McCartney stated, “Playing the Pittsburgh Steelers defense is always a challenge. These edge players kind of propel that entire defense, and they’re always good. Thus, we are undoubtedly
We are aware of their location, the running, passing, and past strategies we must use, as well as
what we must do to try and succeed.
DE Myles Garrett, a fellow defensive player, acknowledged the difficulties presented by Watt and Highsmith.
“They both rush quite well. They both play the run very effectively, according to Garrett on Saturday. The key is to never miss a single opportunity because with that squad, it just takes one to change the course of the game. You must therefore follow all Ps and Qs and ensure that you are aware of your assignment.
Find explosive offensive plays and emphasize the passing game more generally.
Both teams’ passing games suffered in Week 1’s game versus the Bengals due to the weather. The Browns thus showed off their running game more. They can attempt to balance their passing and running games in Week 2.
It won’t be without difficulties, though. A pass-happy Steelers defense will be tested by the Browns.
The Browns must also locate explosive plays that can widen the field if they are to increase the diversity of their offense. They must understand that those explosive opportunities may exist in some games but not in all, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski.
others. But it must be a part of their offensive strategy.
They can continue to use RB Nick Chubb in the passing game in addition to their wide receivers as alternatives for those long passes. Chubb had four receptions for 21 yards in Week 1’s game against the Bengals. Van Pelt stated that the way they utilize Chubb in the passing game may change from week to week.
“Just trying to find good matchups, trying to find plays where we know give the defense a different look, do different things,” Van Pelt stated on Friday. “Put Nick out wide and pass the ball to him. It has several uses and is adaptable. That is a component of who we are as an offense, and we’ll keep developing that.
Limit Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett’s passing game.
In Week 1’s matchup with the 49ers, the Steelers struggled and lost 30-7. QB Kenny Pickett completed 31 of 46 passes for 232 yards while being sacked five times in total. Additionally, Pickett threw two interceptions.
“Yeah, that was a unique start to that game,” the head coach Kevin Stefanski commented on Pickett’s performance in Week 1. We didn’t expect them to rush the ball only ten times, in my opinion. Early on, it really got away from them. He is a really gifted athlete. He was tricked by us. We know what he’s capable of. Athletic, good at making every throw, and perfectly fits their plan.
If the Browns can rush Pickett similarly to how they pressured Burrow and defend against their wide receivers and tight ends, they could be able to apply the pressure required to stop their offense and passing game.
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