Where do the Browns stand against the Steelers?
Ben Roethlisberger returns and while he may be 38 and coming off major elbow surgery after missing fourteen games in 2019, it’s smart to assume he’s the same Big Ben who tore up Cleveland defenses since 2004.
Oh, and he’s also won more games at First Energy Stadium than any Browns quarterback.
As mentioned, the Browns’ defensive line is built for the pass rush, which can spell issues for the aging Roethlisberger. Can he escape Garrett coming off the edge? Or Ogunjobi bursting through the middle?
The Steelers have an adequate committee at running back with James Conner, Jaylen Samuels, and Benny Snell. They enriched the running back room after drafting Anthony McFarland Jr. in the fourth round. However, none have none enough to take over as the featured back.
But the Browns’ run defense was weak in 2019, allowing five yards per carry against opponents. And while they added Andrew Billings and drafted defensive tackle Jordan Elliott, their linebacking group is highly inexperienced.
Historically, the Browns don’t win these types of battles against the Steelers.
Flip to the other side of the ball, and the Steel Curtain has returned to Pittsburgh with sack machines T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree.
In 2020, the Browns figure to run the ball more after signing Conklin and trading for fullback Andy Janovich. Even behind a bad offensive line in 2019, running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt still produced.
If the Browns balance the rushing attack, it could force the Steelers’ blitz-happy defense to honor the running game, opening up passing lanes for Baker Mayfield and his stacked receiving and tight end groups.