Biggest questions Cleveland Browns need to answer vs. Pittsburgh
The Cleveland Browns got a win against the Bills, but it was messy. The Browns have questions that need answered this week if they hope to beat an upward trending Steelers team.
Will Odell Beckham Jr. be a threat? It was a question last week and as Cleveland Browns fans, we were answered with Baker Mayfield tossing the ball up to OBJ in hopes for a catch. Mind you, this should have been expected since Baker said he was going to do this.
The only problem is Mayfield overthrew him on the first drive going deep, which would’ve really put a stamp on the game. Minkah Fitzpatrick is likely to play deep and cover OBJ to eliminate the deep threat and ball hawk all day.
Can the Cleveland Browns eliminate Minkah Fitzpatrick?
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With how he has been playing lately, probably not. Baker needs to not throw picks in this game in order to hope for a win. Fitzpatrick will be all over the field and will be a factor in the effectiveness of this offense that is still trying to find themselves. Look for Fitzpatrick to be a game changer on Thursday if the Browns offense allows him to be.
Will the offensive line be able to hold off the Steelers front seven?
The Steelers defense has been incredible so far this season. The offensive line for the Browns has been awful. Freddie Kitchens will have to dial-up quick passing plays after establishing the run and utilizing play-action. The Browns were effective in the one drive they utilized play-action against the Bills, but then they stopped? Why? Why Freddie? “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
How will Kareem Hunt be used?
If it’s anything like against the Bills, it will be successful. Hunt lead blocking for Nick Chubb, and Chubb then lead blocking for Kareem Hunt, was a sight of beauty. Browns fans, if those two backs can stay healthy, out of trouble, and effective, you’re looking at an easy 1,000 yards each together. Both backs will be needed against the Steelers to keep their defense on its heels assuming Freddie doesn’t fumble the play-calling.
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Browns fans, this will be stressful week for everyone. Stay strong and have faith.