It has been a roller coaster of a week for the Cleveland Browns after getting a massive victory over the rival Baltimore Ravens on the road. The team looked like the definition of a Super Bowl contender as Deshaun Watson finally started to look like the guy they traded for.
Now a few days later, Watson is out for the remainder of the season and Cleveland will go back to rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson. DTR has said this week that he feels a lot more comfortable knowing he is the starter and has played in an NFL game before. It will be a challenge against the Steelers’ defense but if the run game can continue to be productive, that’ll help the rookie a lot.
The Browns defense has said already they know they need to be great with Watson out to help the offense get things done. The Steelers’ offense hasn’t been very good and if the Browns pressure Kenny Pickett, it could be a long day for Pittsburgh’s offense.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson will get his first two career touchdowns
Why can’t Thompson-Robinson be this year’s Brock Purdy paired with a great defense and solid supporting cast on the offensive side of the ball? He was in way over his head when thrust into action against the Ravens in October but now he has a full week of practice as the starter and a gameplan made for his skillset.
Cleveland leaned into the run-pass options and use of Watson’s mobility last week and DTR’s legs are the best part of his game. The Steelers’ front seven is fearsome and will be looking to pressure the Browns rookie all day, but his legs and big arm will get him a couple of scores this week in Cleveland.
Za'Darius Smith will get multiple sacks on Sunday
The stat sheet, specifically the sack numbers, does not properly paint the picture of what Smith’s impact has been on this Browns’ defense. But when you turn on the tape, you see him jump off the screen each week and he has been rather disruptive opposite Myles Garrett.
Smith has gotten some favorable matchups because of the attention Garrett has gotten and he has taken advantage of it. Smith currently has 33 quarterback pressures on the year and is going against a Steelers offensive line that has already allowed over 100 pressures. The Browns’ pass rush has a chance to really impact this week’s game.
David Njoku will continue his high level of play with over 100 yards and a touchdown
This season, Njoku has become a yards-after-catch monster, especially in the last couple of games. His ability in the open space to outrun or run over defenders helps the Browns’ pass game get easy yardage. His rare blend of size, strength, and athleticism creates mismatches that Kevin Stefanski and the offense have begun to exploit.
Njoku is currently averaging nearly 9 yards after the catch per reception with over 300 of his receiving yards this season coming after the catch. Stefanski understands how to highlight his skillset and the Steelers have had a ton of injuries at linebacker making it a prime matchup for the tight end.
