Cleveland Browns vs Steelers Week 8 Predictions: Can the Browns get back in the North race?

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CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 09: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball between the defense of Denzel Ward #21 and Damarious Randall #23 of the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Writer: Joel Cade

The Cleveland Browns have a long history of firing coaches after a loss in Pittsburgh. Even though Hue Jackson has recently stated he believes that general manager John Dorsey and owners Dee and Jim Haslam support him, it is hard to believe that any coach with a 3-35-1 record truly has the support of his superiors. Especially when revenue is involved.

Nonetheless, it is Pittsburgh week again. The Steeler’s offense seems to have found their stride. Roethlisberger is returning to form. They have weapons at wide receiver and the running back position looks stable despite Le’Veon Bell’s extended holdout.

However, the Browns are limping into the ketchup bottle (Hine’s Field) as the walking wounded. The Browns have injuries at significant positions – WR, LB, CB. Offensive tackle position regressed last week making an improvement there paramount to success.

Offensively the Browns should be able to exploit the cornerback Joe Haden who has lost a step and can be exploited deep. The Browns should also be able to continue having success with the power run schemes. Nick Chubb has great vision and balance. Should the Browns actually commit to running the ball, as they did the first six weeks of the season and second half of last week, they should be able to open space downfield against the Steelers secondary.

Defensively, the Browns need to figure out how to stop the run while in a cover 2 shell. If not, it will be a long day watching the Steelers pass all over the field. Joe Schobert will definitely be missed this week.

Finally, the officials are awful. But the Steelers seem to get every call every week. The Browns don’t get any calls any week. Expect to see a lot of uncalled helmet to helmet shots, phantom holding calls and every 50/50 call going to the Steelers. Christian Kirksey is correct. The Browns will have to defeat both the Steelers and officials.

I guess we play against the Refs as well as our opponent 🤷🏽‍♂️ https://t.co/RvkYvIbN0Y
— Christian Kirksey (@Kirko58) October 22, 2018

It’s going to be a long day. Suffer through Browns fans.

Final Score: Browns 28, Steelers 35

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