Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
December 10th 8:20 ET
The Browns hosted one of the best teams in the league when the high flying San Diego Chargers visited Cleveland on week 13. Although they lost 30-23 the Browns showed a bunch of heart despite playing without their three best players on defense. Unfortunately the defense had their weekly blown coverage, this time to a slow full back. Mike Tolbert rumbled down the sideline for a 66 yard touchdown on what was a simple five yard completion on a flat route. On offense Cleveland was led by QB Brady Quinn who threw for 271 yards and three touchdowns. Finally, finally yes finally WR Brian Robiskie was active and got some playing time. Robo responded with four catches for 69 yards. The biggest story of the day was TE Evan Moore who was activated from the practice squad. Moore showed very good hands as he hauled in six balls for 80 yards. The Browns are starting to play much better on offense and will get a chance to prove that against the hated Pittsburgh Steelers.
Even though the Browns are just 1-11 this is a huge game for not only Quinn and Mangini but the whole city of Cleveland. The Browns desperately want to beat rival Pittsburgh and keep continuing their improvement on the offensive side of the ball. What is best for the long term success of the Browns? Is it to win games and instill confidence in a very young offense? Or is it improve and lose in order to get the most dominating player to come down the line in a long while? Ndamukong Suh is an absolute beast and will likely be the #1 pick in the 2010 draft. Many compare him to large d-tackles such as Warren Sapp but he has more to offer than that. To me he could be the next Reggie White. If so, Suh lining up beside Shaun Rogers would instantly make the Browns defense extremely good. Either way despite the horrible season, the remaining games could be very entertaining for Cleveland fans.
Prediction: The Steelers have everything to lose with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. They will be without WR Hines Ward which could hamper their offensive play calling even against a Browns secondary which is struggling mightily. On defense, the Steelers have been getting lit up through the air even by the likes of Raiders QB Bruce Gradkowski. The Browns will find success through the air but offensive coordinator Brian Daboll will not open it up enough to gain the victory. His conservative play calling combined with a defense that will have difficulties getting off of the field will result in another Pittsburgh victory in Cleveland.
Pittsburgh 31 Cleveland 27
Scott Dryden, Senior Writer