Here are our keys to victory this week if the Pittsburgh Steelers want to get past the Cleveland Browns and improve to 7-3 on the season.
Minimize the damage of Myles Garrett
The Browns have a very good defense but it all starts with edge rusher Myles Garrett. Garrett is an elite defender and the type of player, similar to T.J. Watt who must command plenty of attention and be accounted for on every play.
Protect the new guys
The Steelers will have two practice squad players getting their first starts of the year on Sunday. Pittsburgh must be such to utilize schemes and play calls that protect these players and instead put the onus on the experienced veterans on the roster to make plays.
Mix in some aggressive play calls early on
If the Steelers come out and play it too conservatively out of the gate, the Browns will be ready. Everyone knows the Steelers bread and butter in recent weeks and Cleveland is going to stack the box. The return of tight end Pat Freiermuth should give the Steelers a little bit of freedom to push the ball down the field early.
Take care of the football
One area where the Steelers have been strong this season is in turnover differential. Against an opportunistic team like the Browns, the Steelers cannot hand them the football and let turnovers flip the field.