Three Cleveland Browns that will be keys to victory over the Steelers

Right Tackle Chris Hubbard

Chris Hubbard will be a key not only on the field, but as the Browns prepare for the Steelers. Due to his experience in Pittsburgh’s locker room, Hubbard may know some things about some Steeler players that Todd Haley may not even know.

This type of knowledge was shown on Hard Knocks when former Browns linebacker Mychal Kendricks shared inside information when the Browns played the Eagles during the preseason.

But on the field, Hubbard will have his hands full against a solid Steelers front seven. For most of the game, Hubbard will be lined up primarily against T.J. Watt. In Watt’s rookie season, he sacked the quarterback seven times and compiled 52 total tackles. He was good at setting the edge against the run last season, and looks to do the same in 2018.

The Steelers are stout against the run up the middle, so the Browns’ best opportunity for big runs may be off the edge. Hubbard will need to create a corner for the running backs to get around to help stretch the field for Cleveland.

Hubbard is also going to need to prevent Watt from allowing too much pressure in the backfield. The Browns are expected to run a lot of play-action, and the Browns need to prevent as little pressure as possible on the right side. Mostly due to the uncertainty on the left side of the line, as that side of the line has been moved around since August.

Hubbard already knowing most of Haley’s play-book will be a huge plus for the Browns. The right side of the offensive line may be the strong side for the Browns on Sunday.