Turnover-Free, Ball-Control Steelers Surging, Beat Browns 27-11

Remember the 1991 movie "Hook?" The Lost Boys are in obvious disbelief that the shadow-of-his-former-self Peter Banning that Tinkerbell has brought them is their Peter Pan. It wasn't until Pockets smoothed away the wrinkles and looked deeper that the real deal could be seen: "Oh, there you are, Peter!"

The first four weeks of the season were like Peter Banning -- 0-4, -11 in turnover ratio and in disarray on offense and defense.

Since then, the edges have been smoothed out, the team focused and galvanized and have turned around the turnovers. They're starting to look like a team who might just be a legitimate contender come playoff time.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Right?

"Can't," Roethlisberger said after being asked about playoff scenarios. "I'm not looking around. It's all about focusing on one game because that's all we can control, you know?"

For the most part, the Steelers have done just that and have shown a resilience in the past few weeks that has brought them back to, not just respectability, but a team with which to be reckoned.

They are +7 in turnover ratio in the last three weeks, are creating turnovers and controlling the ball, are protecting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (just one sack in two weeks and none Sunday) and at least are running the ball effectively (80 yards on 23 rushes for Le'Veon Bell). Just as we said in the pre-game piece, turnovers were key. - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2013/11/roethlisberger-turnovers-will-be-key-to.html

They also have become very comfortable with Todd Haley's offense and are incorporating the no-huddle efficiently if not impressively.

"I think it’s growing on this team, I think it's growing on the city of Pittsburgh. I think everyone likes it," wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders said of the no-huddle. "We've got one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. He can throw. Why not use him? He likes it, it's been successful."

"We said coming [into the first] series 'no-huddle', but think all runs," Big Ben said. "Even on third down, run it. Even on the second series."

It worked yet again, but not just there. The Steelers No. 1 wide receiver, Antonio Brown, was again one of the stars of the game partly because of it. His anticipated matchup with the Browns cornerback Joe Haden was advantage: Brown. AB caught six balls for 92 yards, including a 41-yard touchdown pass.

After the game, Joe Haden was classy and succinct when speaking on allowing the score: “That’s a good receiver, a good quarterback, making a good play. I’m saying I got beat.”

In all, AB has posted at least five receptions in 11 straight games this season, which is a franchise record, and is only the fourth wide receiver in Steelers history with an 80-reception season (Hines Ward - 2001-04, '08-09; Yancey Thigpen - 1995; and John Stallworth - 1984).

The defense, though giving up 367 total yards and 237 receiving yards to Josh Gordon (most of which coming because of being down most of the game and Ike Taylor more-or-less giving up late), was viciously reminiscent of Steelers defenses of the past recording five sacks, nine quarterback hurries, four quarterback hits, forced and recovered three fumbles and had one partridge-in-a-pear-tree pick six. The wealth was spread evenly as well.

Cornerback William Gay notched the pick six, as well as a strip sack of Browns quarterback Jason Campbell, which led to a touchdown. Troy Polamalu forced a fumble (he has two on the day) and the Steelers' recovery led to a field goal. The Steelers sack attack of Browns' quarterbacks Campbell and Brandon Weeden were led by Al Woods' two sacks and by outside linebacker Jason Worilds' six QB pressures.

"I just enjoy being out there. Being out there consistently," said Worilds. It allows me to open up some of the things I do."

You want to be playing your best football in November and December. Though the pass defense is still a concern, the Steelers definitely are an improving football team.

It couldn't come at a better time, either, as the next two weeks are critical to the team's, dare we say, playoff hopes. They have the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving night, and in two weeks they host the Miami Dolphins.

Or as Sanders said following the game, "Right now we’re playing playoff football."

Oh, there you are, Steelers.

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TIDBITS: Injuries: Steve McLendon (ankle) and Curtis Brown (knee); post-game press conference and highlights of the win - http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Coach-Tomlin-Post-Game-at-Browns/16a544ce-8bf2-4927-a1e9-ddbaae58f1b9

Roethlisberger, Turnovers Will Be Key To A Steelers Victory Over Browns

 

10 years and 17 games.

That's how long it has been since the Cleveland Browns have been favored to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, since 2003. The year before Reggie White passed away. The year before the Patriots went back-to-back. Maybe most relevantly, the year before Ben Roethlisberger was drafted.

When the Steelers go to Cleveland on Sunday, the Browns, who are just 5-23 against the Steelers in regular season since 1999, will take the field as one-point favorites - and for good reasons. 

AFC North teams are 0-7 on the road in division games (the Steelers are 0-1), and the Browns defense, according to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, presents them with their "biggest and toughest" challenge to date. He says their defense has "no weaknesses."

The Browns rank fourth in the NFL in total defensive yards and have one if the best cornerbacks the Steelers face this season in the Browns' Joe Haden. He is one player the Steelers must account for and who will be assigned to wide receiver Antonio Brown. 

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said of Haden: "I don't think any corner's playing better. At least none that we have faced."

Offensive coordinator Todd Haley praiseworthy words for the 5'11", 190-pound CB as well when he said that "Haden is a heck of a player. He's the best cornerback we've seen this year, for sure. He's just really a good football player. He has great feel, instincts and speed. He's a complete package, and it has shown up against some of the big-time receivers that he has faced." - http://tinyurl.com/lkezhax

Ultimately, two things stand out as being imperative. It is paramount that Big Ben not turn the ball over. Since coming back from his injury last season, when Big Ben doesn't commit a turnover, the Steelers are 5-0. When he commits at least one turnover, they are 0-9. 

Before that, a successful game plan is one that maximizes the skills of Big Ben, the AFC and Fed Ex Air Player of the Week and who is on pace to throw for a career-high in passing yards this season. Spreading the Browns out will force them to send fewer rushers and substitute with fewer personnel changes and packages. 

Then the Steelers will likely move Brown around the formation, with Haden likely following him. That, then could open things up for wide receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Jerricho Cotchery and tight end Heath Miller to thrive, as well as opening lanes or chances for catches out of the backfield for Le'Veon Bell. If so, and if the Steelers spread them out as they should, it should create a mismatch.

When on defense, coordinator Dick LeBeau pointed out that whether Brandon Weeden, Brian Hoyer or Jason Campbell, "they want to call plays to the strengths of each one. They've got a good veteran quarterback there now. He's started a lot of games in the NFL and they can pretty much run whatever they want to run."

Even so, the Browns rank in the bottom half of the NFL in offense and struggle to move the football, particularly in the run game. They do have a nice target in wide receiver Josh Gordon, though. He's no Calvin Johnson, but he has skills that the Steelers must respect with a safety over the top to help cornerback Ike Taylor. 

Outside of that, the Steelers defense must be the more disciplined unit and the individual players must be more trusting of the scheme and defensive game plan set up. Also, whether Jason Worilds is setting the edge or whether it's LaMarr Woodley, pressure from the front seven, led by the ever-improving Cam Heyward, is vital. 

The turnover battle must be won by the Steelers who are +3 after starting -11 in turnovers. With the forecast calling for a high of 27 degrees with winds 20-30 mph, it's even more apparent that he team that wins that battle should win the game. 

The Steelers know what's at stake for them and are the more veteran team, so this should play in their favor - in favor for a 20-13 kind of game and (hopefully) win.

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TIDBITS: Brett Keisel (foot), LaMarr Woodley (calf) questionable for Sunday's game at Cleveland. Limited in practice Friday. Stevenson Sylvester and Shamarko Thomas are out.

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Ben Roethlisberger on whether he'd take less money in next contract to stay with Steelers: "Obviously I would do whatever I need to do. That's something that can be discussed when the time comes. That's not really my thing. I play football, I have people that deal with that stuff. I'll do whatever it takes to stay here and be a part of this team and help this team out." - http://t.co/Fe1IPWTDrZ 

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If It Ain't Steel has said for over a year that Worilds is batter on the left side and that a change should at least be explored. Someone finally listened: http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/102146/woodley-willing-to-flip-with-worilds

Browns Present "Great Challenge" For Steelers; Injuries & Predictions

"It starts with [Jabaal] Sheard....He is a high-motor guy [who] is relentless....They've got the rest of the front four, which is a quality front four." - Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley

The front four and player in question belong to this week's opponent and oldest AFC rival, the Cleveland Browns. Haley is giving due praise to a defensive unit that accounted for seven sacks last Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys. The Browns may only be 2-8, but they're no lame duck. - http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2012/11/23/cleveland-browns-not-a-completely-lifeless-foe-for-steelers/

The Steelers know that their longtime foes will be ready for them. They've been competitive in every game this season and five of their losses have come by seven points or less. The offensive line, responsible for protecting veteran quarterback Charlie Batch, knows this.

Steelers left guard Willie Colon was quoted this week as saying, "We understand this is going to be a tough outfit. The Browns are kind of like [Kansas City] in that their record really doesn't...show where they're at as a defense. They're playing at a high level." - http://www.steelers.com/video-and-audio/videos/Willie-Colon---1123/52c7dce7-8f45-4860-be0c-186ceb24edd0

"Where they're at" is in the bottom half of the NFL on defense, but numbers can be deceiving.

Jabaal Shear, mentioned at the outset by Haley, is a 6'2" 255-pound 2nd-year defensive end who is a long and powerful bull rusher who has counter moves and can wreak havoc. He's recorded 32 tackles, three sacks this year and many pressures. He must be accounted for and there will probably be extra protection to his side.

As a team, the Browns have recorded 27 sacks, 61 passes defended and 10 interceptions - all more than the Steelers (18, 57 & 5). They also have 21 tackles for a loss. As Colon stated in the lockerroom interview, the Steelers must "control the line of scrimmage."

With a 38-year old quarterback under center Sunday, this is paramount. In a recent blog I pointed how good Ben Roethlisberger is when under pressure. Uncle Charlie, however, isn't Big Ben and needs better protection than Byron Leftwich received last week against the Ravens.

In the 13-10 loss last Sunday, Leftwich was under duress, hit or sacked on 14 of 43 dropbacks, 32.6% or once every three dropbacks, and averaged less than two yards per attempt per attempt. The offensive line simply has to do better.

One way to keep Uncle Charlie upright is to run the ball effectively. Jonathan Dwyer should be the main man this week. Period. The "hot hand" mentality needs to end, especially considering Dwyer consistently shows he's the one who has it anyway. Running the ball as much if not more than passing it and controlling the line of scrimmage are absolutely necessary. - http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=8659960&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

The short passing game is going to be essential as well. Uncle Charlie is suited for that and has a "new old toy" to help in that category, and might have another one return.

Antonio Brown made good strides this week and had a good practice Friday. Regarding playing Sunday, he said, "If coach Tomlin let's me. It's his decision."

AB might have to campaign hard to Tomlin in order to play on Sunday. Coach is being rightly cautious with his best wide receiver.

His wide receiver teammates voiced their feelings and thoughts on the aforementioned short passing game. Emmanuel Sanders, for one, talked about his confidence in Uncle Charlie and the quarterback's approach to this week.

“He’s very smart; he takes pride in the details,” said Sanders. “He’s done it in previous seasons, and I expect him to do it this week also.” - http://tinyurl.com/cwotfnm

Mike Wallace chimed in on Plaxico Burress and whether or not that toy would really be used a lot: "Definitely. We want to see what our new toy looks like. Our new old toy."

There is one place where that toy can step right in and help, despite cornerback Joe Haden playing or not. - http://tinyurl.com/9wkevmt

Last season with the New York Jets, Burress caught 10 red zone passes and seven were for touchdowns. So he can be a benefit in that aspect at least because of his hands and height.

By contrast, Steelers tight end Heath Miller is leading the team in red zone touchdown receptions this season with six, and Mike Wallace is second on the team with two red zone touchdowns.

No other Steelers player even has more than two red zone receptions this season. So, this is one area where Plax can help right away. - http://blog.steelers.com/2012/11/23/coordinators-corner-haley-lebeau-3/

The defense also knows all-to-well that the Browns record isn't a true reflection of their capability.

"Ever since I have been here, every time we go there it's been a fourth quarter game," said Steelers linebacker Larry Foote. "Their record at this point doesn't mean anything to us. We have to get a win and we know it's going to be a battle. We are going to get their best shot."

He wasn't the only player who knows to expect a battle.

This is a division game," safety Ryan Mundy said. "The last five games they have been in every game, very competitive in each game. They are a play here and a play there away from winning those games. This game will be no different. We expect a great challenge from them. They have a lot of young talent and they are coming together. Their record doesn't indicate how good they are."

Being that the Steelers' offense will certainly run into some problems without Big Ben, the NFL's top-rated defense (yielding only 259.1 yards per game) must continue to play at a high level. - http://tinyurl.com/bue8hcy

With James Harrison not being what he was, expect Browns left tackle Joe Thomas to be able to keep him in check. Despite his less-than-dominant play, Harrison insists he isn't frustrated.

"It's not frustrating," Harrison said. "I know what I'm capable of doing. I'm going to run hard and hit hard. But I know how my body is going to react. I'm going to give it my all, but I'm limited by what my body lets me do."

That leaves the other side of the line to be watched closely with LaMarr Woodley going against exceptional rookie Mitchell Schwartz. We could see more of Cam Heyward on the left side as well.

The pass rush needs to be better, yes, but the secondary simply needs to maintain. Ike Taylor and Keenan Lewis comprise a very good defensive backfield. Here is a brilliant breakdown of their play by ProFootballFocus.com: https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/11/21/analysis-notebook-week-11-2/

The safeties are solid as well. Ryan Clark is having another Pro Bowl season, and there was a Troy Polamalu sighting at practice Friday. Will Allen, who has played surprisingly well in his four games, wasn't exactly reticent on his feelings regarding having Troy back on the practice field: "It was a Thanksgiving Christmas gift. It was great to see him out there."

Troy practiced Friday and wasn't listed on the final practice report as "out" for first time since October 5th. He was listed "doubtful" after being limited in practice on Friday.

With rookie Brandon Weeden at quarterback, the Steelers will try to apply as much pressure as possible. Josh Gordon and Greg Little are definite weapons for the first-year quarterback. It is here that the Steelers need to lock down on the Browns and be as opportunistic as possible, as Weeden's number aren't exactly All-Pro caliber.

The Steelers have, as mentioned earlier, very few turnovers and sacks, splash plays, this season. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau knows they need more, they just need to keep at it.

"We like to take it away, we're just not getting enough of them," LeBeau said before the Chiefs game. "We need to do better there. We have gotten a couple turnovers the last couple games. We need to do more, that's for sure." So far, not so good. The defense needs to take advantage of the rookie Sunday.

Another rookie and the fourth pick in April's NFL Draft is Trent Richardson. He is a highly productive running back who has rushed 180 times for 670 yards and has another 289 yards from receptions this season. Containing him is important, to say the least.

But the key to not being dead indians again in this cowboy movie is Joshua Cribbs.

“Josh Cribbs has made a living hurting people,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said of the Browns’ return man. "Obviously, it’s going to be an element of preparation for us.”

The Steelers can't afford another special teams night like they had against the Ravens. Jacoby Jones' touchdown return was a backbreaker last Sunday night and can't be repeated.

The Ravens double-covered the gunners, Curtis Brown and Cortez Allen, on that return, and there was a seal block on Ryan Mundy, and Jones then outran the rest of the Steelers special teams unit. A repeat performance of such inept play could mean no playoffs for the Steelers.

Cribbs is one of the best returners in the NFL with 852 kick return yards and another 330 punt return yards. He is specifically responsible for the Browns being 9th in the NFL in kick returns and 3rd in punt returns. - http://tinyurl.com/bu7cfvj

If he isn't contained, it will be a long afternoon for the Steelers. If he is, the Steelers should be able put together a win that is somewhere in the 20-16 range.

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TIDBITS: Steelers injury/practice report: M. Gilbert, J. Cotchery, Big Ben, B. Leftwich, out; Troy, doubtful. A. Brown, questionable; W. Allen, W. Colon, Z. Hood, I. Redman, S. Sylvester, probable.

Browns injury/practice report: Dimitri Patterson (ankle) and Raymond Ventrone (calf), out; Jordan Cameron (groin), Josh Cooper (knee), Joshua Cribbs (back), Joe Haden (oblique), Juqua Parker (tibia), Trent Richardson (chest/ribs), Ahtyba Rubin (calf, back), Frostee Rucker (shoulder), Jarrod Shaw (illness), Buster Skrine (head), and T.J. Ward (knee, ankle), all probable.

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Ben Roethlisberger is expected to return to action in Week 13, according to CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora. We'll see...

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Indianapolis Colts interim head coach Bruce Arians was open this week about what he feels his blessings are. For what was he thankful? "I'm thankful for the Pittsburgh Steelers letting me go to be here."

As Steelers beat writer Ed Bouchette wrote recently, Hines Ward had some good insight into why Art Rooney wanted Bruce Arians out as Steelers offensive coordinator: http://tinyurl.com/c979xbd

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The Steelers will re-sod Heinz Field following Saturday's Pitt/Rutgers game.