Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns: Preview, Prediction, TV Info and more
By Matt Shetler
Key Matchup: Antonio Brown vs. Joe Haden
Nov 17, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) celebrates after scoring a 34 yard touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Brown leads the Steelers with 74 grabs this season, and he reeled in seven passes for 147 yards and two touchdowns in the team’s victory over the Lions last Sunday. However similar to the way Steelers corner Ike Taylor gets the assignment on the opposition’s best receiver, in Cleveland that assignment goes to Haden.
Haden has been tested this year and has passed those tests with flying colors. Steve Johnson, Dwayne Bowe, Calvin Johnson and A.J. Green have all been stymied by Haden in 2013.
The Steelers are averaging a mere 77 rushing yards per game this season. It’s as simple as if you stop Big Ben, you stop the Steelers. If Haden takes away Brown’s production, Roethlisberger may not have enough other weapons capable of helping him continue his dominance of the Browns.
Prediction: If this game were in Pittsburgh I would be all over the Steelers, but it’s not and that worries me a bit. Everything about the way the Steelers have played the past couple weeks suggests they should win this game, but under Mike Tomlin this team has often disappointed in such situations. However while I feel the Steelers could slip up here, I’m taking Roethlisberger over Campbell as the Steelers signal caller will make the difference. Steelers 31, Browns 23