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Biggest questions the Cleveland Browns need to answer vs. the Steelers

By Casey Kinnamon

CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 14: Running back James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is tackled by the defense of linebacker Mack Wilson #51 of the Cleveland Browns during the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 14, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 14: Running back James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is tackled by the defense of linebacker Mack Wilson #51 of the Cleveland Browns during the game at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 14, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 11: Head coach Steve Wilks of the Arizona Cardinals looks on to the field during the second half of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 11: Head coach Steve Wilks of the Arizona Cardinals looks on to the field during the second half of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

Can Steve Wilks exploit the inexperience of Devlin Hodges?

On Tuesday, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin announced that Mason Rudolph would not be the starting quarterback for this Sunday’s matchup with the Cleveland Browns. Tomlin named rookie Devlin Hodges the new starting quarterback.

It was bittersweet news for Browns players and fans alike. The idea of getting a second shot at facing Rudolph was something that was viewed as a win/win. Instead, the quarterback known as ‘Duck’ will be making his second career start against the Browns.

Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Steve Wilks was already going to be manufacturing a pass rush in the wake of the Myles Garrett suspension. With a rookie quarterback behind a backup center, the blitzing possibilities are endless. Given Hodges’ lack of experience, Wilks would be wise to take advantage of the young signal-caller. Bringing exotic blitz packages and pressuring the rookie from unexpected down and distances could lead to big mental mistakes.

Causing a quarterback to question what they are seeing is the easiest way to make them ineffective. If you can make them ‘see ghosts,’ that is a bonus. Wilks should be looking for ways to make Hodges do both.

Pittsburgh will undoubtedly lean on their running game to take the pressure off Hodges, but with James Connor still listed as doubtful, the Browns should be able to limit the effectiveness of that game plan. If the Browns can keep the Steelers at predictable down and distances, it could be open season on ‘Duck’.

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