The Steelers take their 3-2 record to Cleveland for a rematch of the season opener in which the black and gold prevailed 30-27 on a last second field goal.
The game was certainly a tale of two halves as Pittsburgh outscored the Browns 27-3 in the first half only to be outdone by Cleveland 24-3 in the second. This game could prove to be a close, hard fought contest as the Browns are certainly a much improved team over years past. Big Ben has a record of 17-1 vs. Cleveland in his career and rest assured he will do all he can to improve that mark on Sunday.
Here are the Keys to A Steelers Victory:Â Â Â
•   The black and gold must be ready for the no huddle offense that Cleveland used against them in the second half of the opener. The Steelers had no answer for it and had the Browns not run out of time, they would have won that ball game.
2. The offense must run the ball effectively. LeVeon Bell went over 100 yards the first time around and it’s pertinent he does so again this time. Seeing Bell get to 100 means the offense is controlling the clock and keeping the defense rested.
3. Todd Haley needs to allow Ben to throw more deep balls. They have deep threats like Antonio Brown and Markus Wheaton yet they rarely throw the ball deep down field. Haley needs to allow for the big play. It would be smart to set the play up via play action.
4. The defense can’t let Brian Hoyer get into a rhythm. He’s actually a pretty good QB and if he gets his confidence up and starts making plays, he could turn it into a long day for the Steelers.
Here are a Few Things to Watch:
•   LaGarrette Blount-He said this week he’d like to see the ball more. Will the team accommodate him?
2. The receiving corps-It seems that Justin Brown has been laid out as the teams’ number 3 guy when to me there are 3 other guys that currently rank behind him on the depth chart that are better. Will the team utilize Lance Moore? Will they try some deep throws to Heyward-Bey? Will they even activate rookie Martavis Bryant? They need to try something else, Justin Brown is not that good.
3. The Dog Pound-It will be rocking in Cleveland, will that crowd impact the Steelers? This is one of the biggest games the team has had in years.
4. Jason Worilds-Worilds has been largely disappointing this year so far. He needs to start making bigger impact plays behind the line of scrimmage.
Mike Pelaia hosts the website Steel Nation Association www.steelnationassociation.com– Covering the Steelers and helping Children’s Hospital All Day Everyday. You can e-mail him at mike@steelnationassociation.com. Â
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