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5 bold predictions for the Steelers against the Browns

By Jarrett Bailey

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 10: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action against the Denver Broncos on October 10, 2021 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 10: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action against the Denver Broncos on October 10, 2021 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 21: D’Ernest Johnson #30 of the Cleveland Browns plays against the Denver Broncos at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 21, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 21: D’Ernest Johnson #30 of the Cleveland Browns plays against the Denver Broncos at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 21, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

The Browns will dominate the trenches

Cleveland didn’t have Nick Chubb or Kareem Hunt in Week 7 against Denver. They were also missing multiple offensive lineman against one of the better run defenses in the NFL. Despite all of that, the Browns ran for 182 yards.

Backup running back D’Ernest Johnson had 146 yards and a touchdown while averaging almost seven yards per carry. Even with all the injuries, the Browns didn’t miss a beat when it came to running the football. Plus, Nick Chubb returned to practice this week, and there is a good chance he plays Sunday.

Pittsburgh hasn’t been great at stopping the run. They are allowing about 108 yards per game on the ground. While that is still in the upper half of the NFL, it doesn’t live up to the standard of previous Steelers defenses.

Seahawks running back Alex Collins single-handedly ran Seattle back into the game in Week 6 against Pittsburgh. He had over 100 yards on the ground, and the Steelers didn’t have an answer for him in the second half.

Too many times this season the Steelers have missed tackles and turned what should have been minimal gains into first downs. They need to plug up running lanes and finish plays to get their defense off the field. If Collins can put up 100 yards, Chubb and the Browns should have no problem winning between the tackles.

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