Cleveland Browns: Keys to an upset victory over Pittsburgh

While the numbers for Pittsburgh’s defense gives Cleveland fans hope coming into Week 11, the Steelers’ offense does just the opposite. The combination of Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown is a lethal one, leading Pittsburgh’s passing attack to a top-five mark in the NFL. While the rushing attack of the Steelers is ranked just 25th, this is deceiving, as Le’Veon Bell was suspended early in the season, and does a lot of his damage through the air anyways.

There is no doubt Pittsburgh is going to put up some points on Sunday, but the Browns can slow them down if they rattle Roethlisberger. Sending exotic blitzes would be a start, which would be most effective in third-and-long situations.

Defensive coordinator Ray Horton has a tendency to back off in the most important situations, likely in fear of losing containment. But this week, he will just have to let it all loose. Linebackers Christian Kirksey and Jamie Collins may be cut out more for pass coverage, but it doesn’t matter. This week they will be thrust into an aggressive role, including a heavy dose of pass rush.

Relentlessly going after the quarterback may backfire at times. But if the Browns decide to play it safe and focus on covering receivers, Roethlisberger will have far too much time. Even in their best intentions, the Browns will be shred once again through the air. The only way to reverse a troubling trend is to send more rushers than Pittsburgh’s offensive line can handle.