Paging Game Analyzer (TMC)

[markymarc]

Don't jinx us in week 2. I realize it's only the Stains, but how about some game thoughts?

[TMC]

Well, since you asked......

Steelers Offense VS Browns Defense

The Browns switched to a 3-4 defense a few seasons ago. They have added some veterans familiar with the 3-4 to help them progress, guys like Willie McGinest and Antwaan Peek. The problem is, Peek was injured and McGinest better days are behind him. The Browns have a few studs on defense, but each has a hitch in his giddy up. Shaun Rogers can absolutely be a stud in the middle, but he has real conditioning problems and on drives longer than 5 plays, he is a spectator. Kamerion Wimbley splashed on the scene as an emerging pass rusher, but his sack total was cut in half last season and he was not heard from in the opener. Other than Rogers and Wimbley, the Browns appear rather average at every other position...and I am being nice. Corey Williams has not shown up as the big-time player the Browns hoped they acquired via trade. Robaire Smith played well last season, but looked outmatched against Dallas. The middle linebackers pile up stats, but they are not the gap shooting run stuffers you need in the 3-4 defense. The secondary sounds like a cooking recipe; they are skinned, beaten, battered, and burned on a regular basis. The Steelers will start early with Hartwig on Rogers to see if he can handle Rogers without help. Kemo will make his presence felt as he handles Smith. Marvel Smith should have his way with Kamerion Wimbley or D’Qwell Jackson, whichever guy wants to get mashed. I think the Steelers will begin running left, potentially pulling Simmons. With the suspect nature of the Browns line, I think the left will fold easily. Once the Steelers lean on this front 7 for a few drives, they will be able to run anywhere, any time, any place. When they decide to pass, Miller will be a monster deep down the seam. Santonio and Ward will certainly draw attention and both safeties will most likely stay in Cover-2 in order to give help over the top. This will open the seam for Miller. As the running game gets on track, the secondary will try to help; I would think that the Steelers try a play action deep to Hines, as Santonio would be too obvious. Still, watch for Santonio to simply beat coverage on a consistent basis. The Browns really lack any true firepower on defense. Against the Cowboys, only Rogers acted like he cared and he only cared the first few plays of a series.

Browns VS Steelers Defense

Jamal Lewis was once a fast powerful back that could carry a team. I really have not seen the burst from him over the past few seasons. He tends to run up the back of his blockers when a hole does not open immediately. He has little wiggle and I am not overly impressed with his total game any more. I do not feel the Browns can move Hampton or Smith, so they should look to run left at Keisel. The problem is Harrison is pretty solid against the run. Foote does not mind sticking his nose in it either. I think the running lanes get filled and the Browns become very one dimensional very fast. In the passing game, the Browns have 2 threats, Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards. I believe that Edwards will see a heavy dose of Ike Taylor and that spells bad news for Edwards. He struggled with drops in the first game and this game won’t be easier. The Browns are hurting at wide receiver as well, so it is almost a guessing game as to who will be their #2. It might be Stallworth, but that is unlikely. I think the Steelers will try to cover Winslow with Farrior in the base defense and potentially use man coverage with Gay on passing situations. I think that the key will be how well the left side of our defense handles the right side of the Browns offense. I would expect Woodley and Smith to have monster days. Fraley is not going to have a great day with Hampton. McKinney will probably start again and spend most of his day being walked to the quarterback by Aaron Smith. While Shaffer had a good year last year, Woodley will start this year off with a bang. I expect the Steelers to simply collapse the right side of the Browns offense on running and passing plays. I think they rattle Anderson. He is at his best challenging down the field and the limited time will force him to try to work shorter routes. I still question his decision making and ability to keep his cool under fire. Watch for the running game to be stuffed and the blitz to wreck the passing game. Early turnovers will put the Steelers up and they will unleash the running game on a substandard defense. This will start out as a long day for Steeler fans (as we wait for the game to start) and end up a long night for Browns fans (as suicide watches spring up all over the city).

Special Teams
Both teams should be even in the place kicking department. I like Dawson and Reed is kicking well. If forced to punt, I have to give the edge to the Browns because they have had excellent return teams in recent years, although Cribbs is nursing an injury. Again, this may not be a huge edge because of the inspired play by Steelers coverage teams. In the kick return game, the Steelers have done a good job of getting solid field position but have to be wary of the Browns return game. It kept them in the game last season and is the one area where they can keep this thing close. Berger punted well, keeps it in the air long enough to allow coverage and Reed has been kicking well. When the Steelers are returning, the key will be no turnovers.

The Texans believed they could compete with the Steelers. Only a handful of Browns fans think they have a shot. The front office of the Browns are calling this game a must win. To me, those are huge white flags. I would consider this a trap game if not for the talk of this being the Browns division to lose. I am sure the Steelers have read all the publications, listened to the talk of their demise, and understand that they need to make a statement. I think the Steelers come out focused and pretty pissed off. The Browns are in for a rude awakening. They thought Dallas beat their ass…wait until they get a load of us.

Steelers 49-Browns 3.

[TheStoneMan]

Well, since you asked......

Steelers Offense VS Browns Defense

The Browns switched to a 3-4 defense a few seasons ago. They have added some veterans familiar with the 3-4 to help them progress, guys like Willie McGinest and Antwaan Peek. The problem is, Peek was injured and McGinest better days are behind him. The Browns have a few studs on defense, but each has a hitch in his giddy up. Shaun Rogers can absolutely be a stud in the middle, but he has real conditioning problems and on drives longer than 5 plays, he is a spectator. Kamerion Wimbley splashed on the scene as an emerging pass rusher, but his sack total was cut in half last season and he was not heard from in the opener. Other than Rogers and Wimbley, the Browns appear rather average at every other position...and I am being nice. Corey Williams has not shown up as the big-time player the Browns hoped they acquired via trade. Robaire Smith played well last season, but looked outmatched against Dallas. The middle linebackers pile up stats, but they are not the gap shooting run stuffers you need in the 3-4 defense. The secondary sounds like a cooking recipe; they are skinned, beaten, battered, and burned on a regular basis. The Steelers will start early with Hartwig on Rogers to see if he can handle Rogers without help. Kemo will make his presence felt as he handles Smith. Marvel Smith should have his way with Kamerion Wimbley or D’Qwell Jackson, whichever guy wants to get mashed. I think the Steelers will begin running left, potentially pulling Simmons. With the suspect nature of the Browns line, I think the left will fold easily. Once the Steelers lean on this front 7 for a few drives, they will be able to run anywhere, any time, any place. When they decide to pass, Miller will be a monster deep down the seam. Santonio and Ward will certainly draw attention and both safeties will most likely stay in Cover-2 in order to give help over the top. This will open the seam for Miller. As the running game gets on track, the secondary will try to help; I would think that the Steelers try a play action deep to Hines, as Santonio would be too obvious. Still, watch for Santonio to simply beat coverage on a consistent basis. The Browns really lack any true firepower on defense. Against the Cowboys, only Rogers acted like he cared and he only cared the first few plays of a series.

Browns VS Steelers Defense

Jamal Lewis was once a fast powerful back that could carry a team. I really have not seen the burst from him over the past few seasons. He tends to run up the back of his blockers when a hole does not open immediately. He has little wiggle and I am not overly impressed with his total game any more. I do not feel the Browns can move Hampton or Smith, so they should look to run left at Keisel. The problem is Harrison is pretty solid against the run. Foote does not mind sticking his nose in it either. I think the running lanes get filled and the Browns become very one dimensional very fast. In the passing game, the Browns have 2 threats, Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards. I believe that Edwards will see a heavy dose of Ike Taylor and that spells bad news for Edwards. He struggled with drops in the first game and this game won’t be easier. The Browns are hurting at wide receiver as well, so it is almost a guessing game as to who will be their #2. It might be Stallworth, but that is unlikely. I think the Steelers will try to cover Winslow with Farrior in the base defense and potentially use man coverage with Gay on passing situations. I think that the key will be how well the left side of our defense handles the right side of the Browns offense. I would expect Woodley and Smith to have monster days. Fraley is not going to have a great day with Hampton. McKinney will probably start again and spend most of his day being walked to the quarterback by Aaron Smith. While Shaffer had a good year last year, Woodley will start this year off with a bang. I expect the Steelers to simply collapse the right side of the Browns offense on running and passing plays. I think they rattle Anderson. He is at his best challenging down the field and the limited time will force him to try to work shorter routes. I still question his decision making and ability to keep his cool under fire. Watch for the running game to be stuffed and the blitz to wreck the passing game. Early turnovers will put the Steelers up and they will unleash the running game on a substandard defense. This will start out as a long day for Steeler fans (as we wait for the game to start) and end up a long night for Browns fans (as suicide watches spring up all over the city).

Special Teams
Both teams should be even in the place kicking department. I like Dawson and Reed is kicking well. If forced to punt, I have to give the edge to the Browns because they have had excellent return teams in recent years, although Cribbs is nursing an injury. Again, this may not be a huge edge because of the inspired play by Steelers coverage teams. In the kick return game, the Steelers have done a good job of getting solid field position but have to be wary of the Browns return game. It kept them in the game last season and is the one area where they can keep this thing close. Berger punted well, keeps it in the air long enough to allow coverage and Reed has been kicking well. When the Steelers are returning, the key will be no turnovers.

The Texans believed they could compete with the Steelers. Only a handful of Browns fans think they have a shot. The front office of the Browns are calling this game a must win. To me, those are huge white flags. I would consider this a trap game if not for the talk of this being the Browns division to lose. I am sure the Steelers have read all the publications, listened to the talk of their demise, and understand that they need to make a statement. I think the Steelers come out focused and pretty pissed off. The Browns are in for a rude awakening. They thought Dallas beat their ass…wait until they get a load of us.

Steelers 49-Browns 3.

Wow its like i just watched the game..

[Steel Dino]

As usual TMC is on top of his game/////
Your last sentence is awesome man!

[Smooth Criminal]

That made me feel better about the game. Can't wait till it gets started.

[slashsteel]

Very well written. Kudos.

[tdub88]

Wow its like i just watched the game..

And it's just like I watched the game TWICE. Not really a need to quote the whole thing again sped.

[Sabin]

And it's just like I watched the game TWICE. Not really a need to quote the whole thing again sped.

Don't mind him, he's related to Coolie.


Don't jinx us in week 2. I realize it's only the Stains, but how about some game thoughts?

Crack that whip!

[TheStoneMan]

it was worth writing twice..


and sped isnt a word anymore..

[Sabin]

and sped isnt a word anymore..


Bullshit. Country boys use it all the time.

"Johnny Ray done sped down to the Piggly Wiggly to pick us up a case of Old Milwaukee before kickoff."

[SteelerScott]

We all can credit TMC for another fine write-up;... but can we really ASSUME that Arians is gonna "lean on (the Browns) front 7 for a few drives" ??

If BA calls a dumb game, this could be a close one.

[TMC]

We all can credit TMC for another fine write-up;... but can we really ASSUME that Arians is gonna "lean on (the Browns) front 7 for a few drives" ??

If BA calls a dumb game, this could be a close one.

The reason I think Arians will lean on the Browns, when the Steelers came out of the locker room against the Texans, a much better conditioned front 7, they started the 2nd half with 16 runs and 4 passes (I think that was the number).

I think it should be evident that Cleveland's DL is not very well conditioned. This is a game where you run early if it works. Now, I do not expect him to run twice, gain a yard each time, and then run again. But, I would expect him to start with a WR screen (or another safe pass), then run. You get a first, you run again. If you are getting 3-4 yards per carry, you stay with it.

I have ALWAYS been a fan of if you find a weakness, you hammer it until the play average drops. Until they start stopping it, you pound the hell out of them.

Luckily, this offense, can run or pass.

[FlaStlrfan]

Steelers O vs. Browns D

Against Dallas, the Browns defense spent most of the first half rushing 3 guys. Wimbley is the Browns only dangerous pass rusher, only got to rush a few times due to Crennels game plan and Dallas' play calling. Dallas had him well scouted, as when he was in position to rush, the Cowboys did a shift that made Wimbley adjust and go into coverage. Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams were brought in to stop the run, not the pass--but neither looked impressive in week one or the preseason. Romo had all day to throw. The Browns secondary is bruised up too. Sean Jones is out, though Brodney Poole may play. The Browns like to use Poole in pass coverage vs the TE, so if he isn't back, Heath Miller could have a big day. Expect to see the Steelers use 4 WR sets at times (something the Cowboys did not have the personell to use) to go against the weakened and thin Browns secondary.

Steelers D vs. Browns O

The Browns offense will only be able to put out one WR who has started more than one NFL game. Last year, the Browns offensive line protected Anderson well, the Steelers didn't even get a single sack on Anderson in the second game. On the left side of the line, the Browns are tough with Joe Thomas and Eric Steinbach. But the right side is vulnerable--with the balance of Woodley added to Harrison, that will leave Thomas focused on Harrison so Woodley could have a big day. The Browns obviously prefer to run to the left. The Steelers will focus big on stuffing the run there.

Derek Anderson

Derek Anderson just has not shown up and performed in a big game since he was given the starting reigns. He managed to generate only one scoring drive against the Steelers last year, the opening drive in the second game. After that, the Browns scoring was all special teams and turnover related. In the second half of last years game, the Browns did not attain a first down the entire second half until the last drive. Last week, 9 straight incompletions. He folded in the Bengals game late last year, in a game that would have put the Browns in the playoffs had they won. Anderson just is not a big game QB.

End result.

Sorry, it won't be 49-3. That is overzealous. The Steelers win solid, 31-10.

[BermudaSteel]

Sorry, it won't be 49-3. That is overzealous. The Steelers win solid, 31-10.

Party pooper. You're short shootin'!

TMC was slightly over; but we're destine for 42 points tomorrow night....Brownies may get 14.

[Steelersrule]

In a league built on copy cat game plan, the more we expose the Browns, the more they will be exploited by other teams. The Steelers need to score big and often, so the wolf pack can feed on brownies.

[TMC]

End result.

Sorry, it won't be 49-3. That is overzealous. The Steelers win solid, 31-10.

Maybe, but when you compare the Browns and Texans, the differences are not as great. Both have suspect secondaries and IMO, the secondary at the time we face them, I think the Texans have an edge. Ryans is as good as Wimbley. As for the other LBs, I would call the Texans and Browns about even. The Texans DL is better.

On offense, IMO, Schaub is better than Anderson. Both teams struggle in the running game. The Texans WRs were healthy and we faced a better group of WRs in Houston than we will in Cleveland. Cleveland gets the edge at TE and OL....but, the Texans OL is not that far behind Cleveland's current OL. Cleveland allowed 16 sacks last season and I think Houston allowed 22.

So, all in all, I think the Texans and Browns are pretty even teams.

With that said, the Steelers were up 35-3 on the Texans with 2 minutes left in the 3rd when they began to bring in the backups. That is 2 scores off my prediction. I doubt the Steelers pull the starters against Cleveland. Of those 35 points scored, only 7 came off of a turnover.

I think the Steelers force more turnovers against the Browns and scores come easier.

[FlaStlrfan]

With that said, the Steelers were up 35-3 on the Texans with 2 minutes left in the 3rd when they began to bring in the backups. That is 2 scores off my prediction. I doubt the Steelers pull the starters against Cleveland. Of those 35 points scored, only 7 came off of a turnover.



Oh, of course if we have a lead like that we'll pull the starters. We aren't Bill Belichick and the run it up Patriots of last year.

[Sean]

The ONLY thing that concerns me about tomorrow night's game: the weather, which can be an equalizer in some situations (remember the Monday Night game against the winless Dolphins last year?)...

Outside of that, we should have this.

[markymarc]

That's what I am talking about. Another great write up TMC and thanks! The only thing that really concerned me with the Texans was their return game with Andre Davis. We stepped up big time to shut him down. With the Stains once again I only have 1 fear and that is their return game with Cribbs. We need another solid game with our return coverage. I also don't think Cribbs will be fully effective due to his injury, but he is still very dangerous.

[60 MINUTES]

Maybe, but when you compare the Browns and Texans, the differences are not as great. Both have suspect secondaries and IMO, the secondary at the time we face them, I think the Texans have an edge. Ryans is as good as Wimbley. As for the other LBs, I would call the Texans and Browns about even. The Texans DL is better.

On offense, IMO, Schaub is better than Anderson. Both teams struggle in the running game. The Texans WRs were healthy and we faced a better group of WRs in Houston than we will in Cleveland. Cleveland gets the edge at TE and OL....but, the Texans OL is not that far behind Cleveland's current OL. Cleveland allowed 16 sacks last season and I think Houston allowed 22.

So, all in all, I think the Texans and Browns are pretty even teams.

With that said, the Steelers were up 35-3 on the Texans with 2 minutes left in the 3rd when they began to bring in the backups. That is 2 scores off my prediction. I doubt the Steelers pull the starters against Cleveland. Of those 35 points scored, only 7 came off of a turnover.

I think the Steelers force more turnovers against the Browns and scores come easier.



My GOD boys to act as if you know the Steelers a bit here. While I agree I hope like hell it goes the way TMC puts it out there. I also agree it should go like TMC and others have put it out there. However with our steelers and playing at the clowns I just don't see a pure blow out from the first quarter on. I can see us winning the game and by the mid way through the 4th putting it away and maybe even making it look bad by the end of the game. But I think the clowns will stay in this game for a while.

The only thing that concerns me is the fact that our D tends to read the paper. Every time the media tells them how great they are they turn around and do shit to make us question how good we are. I hope they come out and look special. They can do it for sure but will they do it?

Believe me I am the guy that usually thinks we will go 16-0 every year, and while I hope the game goes the way most of you think, I just think it will be tougher then that for at least a little while.

[Stlrs4Life]

Great write up TMC.

[Smooth Criminal]

I'm starting to think this rain could cause us some problems. Their field will be in better conditions than ours is, but I can't see up putting up 35+ points in the rain.

[TMC]

I'm starting to think this rain could cause us some problems. Their field will be in better conditions than ours is, but I can't see up putting up 35+ points in the rain.

If it is wet, that helps the offense. IMO, that helps our offense more than it does their offense. If Stallworth was healthy and they had more WRs behind the starters, I would be concerned. Unless the field is a mudhole, then the weather conditions should not effect us greatly.

My GOD boys to act as if you know the Steelers a bit here. While I agree I hope like hell it goes the way TMC puts it out there. I also agree it should go like TMC and others have put it out there. However with our steelers and playing at the clowns I just don't see a pure blow out from the first quarter on. I can see us winning the game and by the mid way through the 4th putting it away and maybe even making it look bad by the end of the game. But I think the clowns will stay in this game for a while.

The only thing that concerns me is the fact that our D tends to read the paper. Every time the media tells them how great they are they turn around and do shit to make us question how good we are. I hope they come out and look special. They can do it for sure but will they do it?

Believe me I am the guy that usually thinks we will go 16-0 every year, and while I hope the game goes the way most of you think, I just think it will be tougher then that for at least a little while.

Braylon Edwards was dropping dry footballs in Dallas. Stallworth is doubtful (and probably out). Their WRs behind Edwards are unknowns. They built their team to pass. Jamal Lewis is not that cutback runner that usually kills us. Basically, they have Winslow and Edwards as their weapons. The Browns had 11 receptions in the first game. Five were from Winslow and 2 more from Edwards. The other 4 were split between Jamal Lewis, the backup TE, and two WRs starting their first game ever. Honestly, they have a limited number of weapons and some of them are hurt. Also, the starting RG and backup RT (Hadnot/Tucker) did not practice and it is thought they may not play. Their offense is just beat up and they have little firepower.

On defense, they could be without BOTH starting safeties (Pool and Jones). Jones is out, he had knee surgery. Pool has a concussion. Wimbley has an injured groin. Peek, who would be the starting LOLB, is out. McGinest is starting, but he is 36 and his better days are WAY behind him. The Browns ILBs are average on a good day. The starting corners are below average. So, their secondary may be comprised of backups and poor starters. Their LBs are average. On the line, only Rogers has shown up so far.

The defense really does not present as big a challenge as Houston. Their offense is riddled with injuries.

Sorry, I do not see how they can play with us at all. Emotion only works when you have the talent to execute. Put Ike on Edwards, double Winslow, and continue to stuff the run. If they beat us, make them do it in the air and force one of those young WRs to carry the load. On offense, exploit the backup safeties down the seam. Run the edges, make the big DL run sideline to sideline.

I think we get up by 10 in the first quarter, have them by 20 or more by the half. The 2nd half will see us grind out score after score on the ground. The defense will be dead midway through the 3rd.

[Steelerman]

Houston's defensive line was one of the better lines we'll see all year and we shredded it. Cleveland's newly acquired fat slobs aren't built to handle a mobile QB like Ben or a RB like Willie.

This game should get ugly.

[markymarc]

Houston's defensive line was one of the better lines we'll see all year and we shredded it. Cleveland's newly acquired fat slobs aren't built to handle a mobile QB like Ben or a RB like Willie.

This game should get ugly.

Absolutely. Rodgers will be sucking wind by the 2nd quarter. We should be able to shred this defense easily by run or pass.

[Smooth Criminal]

Houstons line is incredibly overrated. Only good player is Mario. Everyone else is average players.

[TMC]

Houstons line is incredibly overrated. Only good player is Mario. Everyone else is average players.

Wow, don't know about that statement. Amobi Okoye had 5.5 sacks last season which ranked him 50th overall in sacks and 2nd in sacks by a rookie. Okoye had 24 tackles and 5 sacks in his first 9 games. He appeared to hit the rookie wall after that....only garnering a half sack and 8 tackles. So, I think he is an above average player that is still learning. If he is average, you have to consider guys like Woodley and Timmons average as well. I do not.

Anthony Weaver was also a good player for Baltimore, but his numbers have dropped since going to Houston. Travis Johnson came on strong last season, his first season where he started more than 8 games. He and Weaver tied at 41 total tackles, more than any of our defensive linemen.

While I would not consider Weaver and Johnson above average, I do consider Okoye above average and Williams is elite. The problem with this defense is, behind the line, other than Dunta Robinson and Demeco Ryans, they have no talent. I do not care how good your front 4 are, if your LBs and secondary suck, you are not going to stop NFL offenses.

[TMC]

Just missed nailing that score. I feel like Vanderjagt.

http://assets.sbnation.com/imported_assets/5847/mike_vanderjagt01.jpg

[markymarc]

I think a lot of us missed the score on the game last night. Not the outcome I expected.

[60 MINUTES]

Sorry to blow my horn but I told you it would be tough. How long have yall watched Steeler football and enjoyed sitting back in your lazy boy knowing the game was over by halftime? Don't get me wrong I know we are way better then the clowns and all but anyone that knows football knew we would not walk into the Brownies and roll over them this week. It just wasn't in the cards. weather good or bad it was going to be a fight and we did what we had to in order to get the win. Its behind us and we coulnd't ask for a much better start. Lets see what Phillys got tonight and I think that will be our first real test this coming sunday.

Should be another tough one but if we don't have turnovers I think we win it.