Quarterback Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns will head to Pittsburgh for a Monday Night primetime game against the rival Steelers, looking for a 2-0 start. While Cleveland blew out the Bengals in Week 1, the Steelers got dominated by the San Fransico 49ers by a final score of 30-7.
Kenny Pickett was sacked five times while throwing two interceptions as the offense failed to get anything going consistently. In total, the Steelers’ offensive line was worse than the Bengals, allowing a total of 29 quarterback pressures (according to PFF).
Buy Browns TicketsThe Browns have a good chance to do the same thing as their defensive line showed they could live up to the hype at least for one game. The Steelers will be without one of their best weapons in Diontae Johnson, which gives another advantage to the Browns and their talented cornerback room.
With a few days remaining before the primetime matchup let’s look at four bold predictions I see happening this week.
The Browns defense will force two turnovers against the struggling offense
Second-year player Martin Emerson Jr. nearly had an interception when he ran the route for Ja’Marr Chase but was unable to get his feet down. Emerson as well as Greg Newsome II, and Denzel Ward were all exceptional in coverage all game last week.
They now face a depleted Steelers passing offense while their offense line struggles to protect Kenny Pickett. I expect the Steelers to play better than last week but this Matt Canada offense doesn’t look like it has made many changes or improvements over last year.
Hopefully, Juan Thornhill returns but either way, when mixed with pressure this defense should be able to force at least a couple of turnovers.
Deshaun Watson will have over 250 total yards
Brock Purdy had some success against the Steelers last week and there isn’t any reason that Watson can’t be effective. The wild card is Dawand Jones making his first start against TJ Watt and that could cause this prediction to go south in a hurry.
The Browns should be able to run the ball against Pittsburgh, especially without Cam Hayward in the middle and that will open things up for the passing game. The weather held this offense back last week and as a result, the offense is likely eager to prove they are much better than last week.
Watson will use his legs again like he did in Cleveland which gives him a big advantage over what Purdy can do, If this team is going to go far this year Watson must show he is up to the task.
The Browns will rush for over 200 yards again
The Steelers’ Cam Hayward is one of the only players to consistently win against All-Pro left Gaurd Joel Bitonio over his career. He isn’t playing and rookie Keeanu Benton is formidable with a bright future but he just isn’t Hayward.
Christian McCaffery rushed for nearly seven yards per carry last week on the Steelers who now have to face Nick Chubb and a much more mobile quarterback in Deshaun Watson. The Browns will lean on the strength of the offensive line and the best running back in the NFL, if Watson can be a better passer it’ll open up some lanes in the fourth quarter to try and put the game away.
Cleveland will be 2-0 for the first time in 30 years
This game will be closer than some think as the Steelers always find a way to play their best football against the Browns, especially in Pittsburgh. Mike Tomlin is one of the best coaches in the NFL and he will have his team ready to play, but the Browns have the better roster.
One of the strengths of the Browns’ defense in the pass rush and it matches up with one of Pittsburgh’s weaknesses in pass protection. If Cleveland can get in Pickett’s face early and often like they did Joe Burrow you will see a lot of the same as the team finds a way to grind out a tough win against another division rival.
