I'll go ahead and start it, I know that's where everybody's head is at. We can keep adding as injury information becomes available (etc.):
- Honestly, it's almost impossible to know much about the Steelers just yet because they've played the softest schedule in the league without being dominant or blowing anybody out. They've struggled with some downright bad teams.
- On paper, the defense is amazing... like the Colts, and we scored in all four first half possessions. Colts also hadn't played anybody. Steelers get a lot of sacks and have all but completely shut down the run.
COULD be a great defense, but it's hard to tell. Philly moved the ball, scored points, and we're better.
- Ben has been really efficient but the passing game isn't explosive. QBR is in the 60s, doesn't live up to the PR, and Juju is at 9 a catch. Ben is around 7 a throw, kind of low for the league. Their running game (like their main back) is... good? Definitely not scary.
- Like the Colts, Steelers are about to face the best they've seen so far. Actually, pretty similar teams in a lot of ways.
- Chase Claypool has become their go-to, at least for now. Holy shit, that team can draft WRs.
- A huge part of this game is figuring out who can suit up. We're so dinged and at some very upsetting places. Losing Chubb AND Teller seriously compromises what we've been doing so far. Baker showed that for a half, he can be a 400 yard passer again... but I'm still struggling to explain the 2nd half, other than we had a 27-10 lead and Baker got dinged.
- On defense, Harrison was a MASSIVE upgrade, but now might be out. We really need Ogunjobi back because the rook had himself a nightmare. Feels like this game is all smokey from here as far as injuries, gonna clear up as the week rolls on.
My summary for now: We aren't gonna run all over this team. That's been their signature forever, lock down the run, put you behind the chains, exotic blitz you to death. We'll need to throw on early downs more often for sure.
It's a big game for Baker. Huge.
An extra thought: Who had Chris Hubbard as our savior across two games? One really good game at RT, one pretty damn good one at RG, both wins.
Gonna want one of those every season moving forward.
Hero? No, but I do remember saying time and again he was going to be a better fit in this blocking scheme, and not to be surprised if he pushed for starting time.
Browns open as the +4.5 (+172 ML) underdogs vs the Steelers.
It will be the 3rd straight week they are the betting underdog.
A gold star goes to AB for keeping T-Mitch and C-Hub.
Bet the week of bets changes it, based on exactly that point, Ocon.
Mina Kimes just validated my hunch (haven't watched the Steelers much at all): Ben's 32nd in air yards per attempt and last in 20+ accuracy. He's not doing well downfield at all, hence the stats reflecting "not explosive."
Gotta cover the short/int stuff better. Less Sendejo and BJ! Gonna make a t-shirt.
More Smith, Mack, Phillips, Harrison (if possible), and Redwine.
Big Ben looks so rickety to me.
We can win this game. They may be 4-0... but they ain't really a 4-0 type of team.
Steelers have faced crap offensive teams (Pass is QBR to take INTs into context):
Giants: #31 Pass; #29 Rush
Broncos: #28 Pass; #32 Rush
Texans: #12 Pass; #26 Rush
Eagles: #32 Pass; #15 Rush
Browns: #19 Pass; #1 Rush
The best they have faced are the Eagles, and they put up 29!!! In fact, 3 of the 4 have put up 21+.
The Steelers have also faced crap D's (Pass is QBR to take INTs into context):
Giants: #23 Pass; #17 Rush
Broncos: #16 Pass; #8 Rush
Texans: #30 Pass; #32 Rush
Eagles: #26 Pass; #19 Rush
Browns: #14 Pass; #7 Rush
So the Browns represent the best offense, and best defense in all categories (except Texans passing) they have faced to season.
Meanwhile the Browns have faced the #1 Offense in the NFL, and the #1 Defense in the NFL...and WON!
Browns 34
Steelers 26
When you think about it, last week was so perfect for this game. The Colts were a step up in competition for this offense, and their offense is methodical, experienced and talented - albeit not quite there.
They're basically Pittsburgh-lite. A nice little tune up to get a taste of the opposition.
I thought it was another week the Browns improved. It was ugly, but I personally felt this team isn't yet experienced enough to take their foot off the gas without a corresponding decrease in play. This was, however, another example of finding a way to win. Good teams learn how to not lose. Very good teams learn how to win. The Browns are learning how to win. Quickly.
I don't know if we're good for the W this week. Pittsburgh might be our biggest test yet, and the winning streak can't last forever, but we're talented enough to beat anyone on any given Sunday. There just aren't any more games in which we don't stand a chance.
If the Browns win, at 5-1 with a win over Pittsburgh? Holy shit.
Has anyone posted injury updates? I know you have to play the game but no Teller, Vernon, Harrison, Phillips, AC, and a banged up Baker would make me a bit more worried.
Official injury reports run from Wednesday to Friday, so we won't know more until then.
We also seem to be very much in favor of heavy injury reports. I guess it forces other teams to try and account for everyone and every possibility. Just additional work.
What we do know is there is hope Joseph and Ogunjobi will return against Pittsburgh, Greedy Williams will miss at least three more weeks, Teller is "more week to week than day to day" which suggests he won't play vs Pittsburgh.
It sounds like no Teller or Harrison (damnit) for Sunday. But Stefanski already seems like he knows Ogunjobi and Joseph will play.
Interesting to hear that Baker had issues with shoulder AND wrist before the ribs. But all tests are negative and he's expected to be fine for Sunday. Easy for me to say, but if it's only about pain/bruising, and ribs don't do anything, that's why shots exist.
We're missing three of our best or most promising in Chubb, Teller, and Harrison. Hope we can keep it to that.
Shep...hate to burst the bubble...but ribs do a ton. The rib cage expands and contracts on every breath you take. It also twists to allow for full arm motion, compresses with bending, and stretches for reaching. Quite simply, the rib cage is a major part of the body core that sustains all movement. You may be able to numb it, but the muscles still know the pain signals and can tighten up on you. It also makes you more susceptible to further injury, including fractures. They can take months (especially when still playing) to heal. I will let Ocon go further into it...suffice to say it isn't 'only' pain/bruising.
With that said, I anticipate the Browns to emphasize the running game and quick hitters early. Watch for Higgins/Landry in the slot. Force the Steelers to stop that...which should mean bringing 8 or 9 in the box...then hitting play action. I also bet the Browns move the pocket a lot. They are not going to want Baker to take hits. The Steelers have racked up 20 sacks in 4 games...but against teams that are giving up 3+ per game anyway. The Browns OL has allowed 7 so far this year in 5 games.
Oh, I know it can be bad, my son had rib issues (including muscular). And if anybody knows transferred pain after three disc replacements in my neck...
I'm just hoping it's the kind of injury (now that he tested negative) isn't anything but soreness. But I have no idea beyond what they've told us.
For whatever we don't have for Sunday (Harrison and Teller mostly), we do have all three TEs and hopefully they've figured out the obvious, that Higgins is WR3 if you want to get anything but blocking out of the position. And he did that well too.
Hubbard is suited for this scheme and is versatile, too. If it's at all possible, I'd look to extend him for a couple years. He won't be the mauler in the run game like Teller, but he's highly athletic (especially for a guard) and should do really well in pass pro.
So a full complement of targets and a line that should be aces protecting Baker... plus no Teller and no Chubb... I think we should be looking at passing 35 or more times. That's what the factors suggest.
That said, this offense requires a stubborn willingness to run the ball, so I'm sure we will. But I hope we don't become so run-centric in the second half that Baker's throwing only when necessary, which means it's obvious. The joy of this offense is its inscrutability.
Both QBs................One good hit and bring in the next guy. I suspect Steelers will double-up on Garret whenever they can. Seems to me that Ben looks like he's lost some bulk but, is now staying pocket and setting up running game with their great receivers. The game will be won or lost in how our backfield performs. jmho
Here's what I'll say about the Steelers offense: Meh.
It's not really very good at anything, definitely not explosive, and they haven't played anybody at all.
That's really what makes it hard to get much of a read on them. They haven't even beaten bad teams badly. They're a mystery.
Not a bad IR report TBH. Would love to get Harrison back though.
https://twitter.com/BrownstownUSA/status/1316471752629858309
Totally agree: Harrison is my greatest hope, that it was minor and he gets out of protocol tomorrow or Friday. He was a pretty huge upgrade.
Without Chubb or Teller, running might be hard. But again... tough to say. They've played an un-murderer's row.
"According to PFF, three of the Steelers defensive backs in their base set have a PFF grade below 60, including corner Joe Haden and free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Those factors spell an opportunity for big plays."
From my insider PD newsletter. Reinforces my sense that the winner will be the team that protects their own and gets to theirs. Our pass blocking might be even better with Hubbard in for Teller (but not the run game), and their DBs are suspect, they depend on the pass rush.
Along with Chubb being out, it does add up to an opportunity game for Baker and the passing offense.
Yeah, it's hard to see how we win this game without:
Baker being efficient and smart for FOUR quarters (not just two).
Our WRs making HUGE plays -- and not dropping easy ones.
Winning the TO battle.
A few Stef surprises.
I don't see the Steelers as being any different than the Colts, honestly. Tough D, suspect O, old QB.
I know Steelers fans feel like Ben is back. I'm not convinced.
I have a feeling Myles will make him look like Phil.
#Browns DC Joe Woods said that Ronnie Harrison is day-to-day with a concussion. He may be able to play on Sunday.
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The Browns come into week 6 with the highest rated offensive line in the league in adjusted line yards (5.08).
The Steelers come into week 6 with the highest rated front seven in the league in adjusted line yards allowed (1.97).
This is gonna be an all-out WAR at the LOS...
Suh-weet, Harrison has a shot of playing. Woods saying he's close.
That would be just awesome, he was terrific last week.
Magic Swami predicts Brown lose close game in Pittsburgh but, at end of season and facing Steelers in last game on schedule get revenge beating a beat-up Steeler's team by a touchdown. This win enables Browns to make it to the playoffs.😎