5 bold predictions for Browns against Steelers
By John Buhler
4. Browns rushing attack will amass for a combined 150 yards on the ground
In a huge spot last week, D’Ernest Johnson came up big. The former USF running back had the game of his life on Thursday Night Football vs. the Broncos. Without him, a terribly banged-up Cleveland team does not win the ballgame. While it remains to be seen how much of a workload he will have this week, we should expect the Browns’ offensive gameplan to be ground-centric.
Though Kareem Hunt is on IR, the Browns could potentially be getting Nick Chubb after an extra week off. This is why it would be foolish to project an overall stat line for any particular running back in Cleveland until we know for sure that Chubb will in fact play. However, the Browns will have no problem putting up over 150 combined yards on the ground vs. the Steelers defense.
Again, this is not an indictment of the Pittsburgh defense, but rather an offensive philosophy firmly in place with Cleveland. Until their offense gets healthier, the Browns are going to have to win games in only one way: Ball control. While the Browns may not average 5.5 yards per carry like they did last week, look for Chubb, Johnson and company to get them over 150 rushing yards.
A balanced offensive approach will ensure the most amount of success possible for Mayfield here.