Well, what is there to say? For the umpteenth time in as many weeks, it’s a make-or-break game for the Browns, it’s time to show what they’re made of, this is what it comes down to, it’s a crucial rivalry with the season on the line. Add in your own favorite cliche here: ___________________.
Now erase it before the Sharpie’s ink dries on your screen. What are you, a stupid Steelers fan?
It’s been a rough year for the Browns so far. A QB controversy, an offensive line in upheaval, a new defensive scheme taking its lumps, injuries affecting at least five offensive players. But so what? Any game is winnable. And if I could only pick one game on the entire schedule that I want the Browns to win, this nationally-televised Sunday night game at Pittsburgh would be it.
(For a recap of the all-time best Browns wins over this dreaded archrival, click here and scroll down to November 3.)
There are many reasons for pessimism:
–The Browns under Butch Davis are 0-5 against the Steelers.
–Barry Stokes’ ankle is still bothersome, and Joaquin Gonzales may get his first career start.
–Aaron Shea is out with a torn biceps. Not that he’s a great blocker, but after cutting fullback Kevin McLeod, and with thinning depth at OL and QB, they need all the help they can get protecting the quarterback.
–In breaking down all the matchups, in no area could Steve Doerschuk of the Canton Repository find an unequivocal advantage for the Browns.
So are there comparable reasons for optimism? Well, maybe, but they’re not really tangible and certainly not guaranteed. The team might be mad enough — after losing to the Bengals, after losing the playoff game there last year — to show sufficient fighting spirit. Their pride may boost their motivation before a nationwide audience. A loss would ruin their season, as they would be 1-4 and 0-3 in the division, which we can hope would be an unbearable thought to these Browns. And, hey, Kelly Holcomb might be healthy enough this week to serve as the backup QB in case Tim Couch goes down.
That’s not much to hang your helmet on, huh?
No. So I offer these bits of advice:
–Take full advantage of our skill players by using three wideouts and two running backs on most every play. Both Green and White have proven capable of picking up the blitz. Using them both in the backfield adds unpredictable options to this struggling offense.
–Put a few wrinkles in the offensive playbook. Bring two wideouts across the backfield and try reverses one way or the other or not at all. Maybe let KJ throw a pass. Use quick-hitting pass routes, but script in those pump fakes and look-offs. Get that speedy defense on its heels.
–On defense, maximize pressure up the middle. Blitz Andra Davis on occasion. Force Maddox to scramble, to hurry, or to try and thread the needle. He can be rattled.
–On special teams, threaten them: anyone penalized in the return game will lose his job or lose his lunch doing wind sprints the next week. Or better yet, take away some perks — a smaller towel in the locker room, a plane seat next to the bathroom, last in line at the buffet. Something conspicuous to drill that message home.