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Cleveland Browns: Keys to season finale in Pittsburgh

By Jonathan Goehring

Nov 20, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) during the game at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) during the game at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jesse James (81) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Zach Orr (54) after making a catch during the fourth quarter of a game at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jesse James (81) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Zach Orr (54) after making a catch during the fourth quarter of a game at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

It has been the Achilles’ heel for Cleveland all season long. Even in their win last week, San Diego tight end Antonio Gates caught eight passes for 94 yards and a touchdown. Even though the Browns were able to slow the Chargers’ passing attack, Gates was the team’s leading receiver.

Without a doubt, Gates is one of the best tight ends to ever play in the NFL. But this week, the challenges Cleveland face at the tight end position will not make the lives of defenders much easier.

Jesse James has come through this season for Pittsburgh, proving to be a reliable red zone target. At 6-foot-7 and 254 pounds, the 22-year-old will have an opportunity to take advantage of an undersized Browns secondary. In addition to James, Pittsburgh has another 6-foot-6 target in Ladarius Green, who is just overcoming an injury.

Defending both of these tight ends at the same time may be the greatest challenge for the Browns defensively. With undersized cornerbacks, safeties and linebackers, covering these big targets will be a matter of jamming them at the line of scrimmage.

If they find themselves open across the middle of the field, especially in the red zone, the Browns are in deep trouble.

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