2007 Steelers - Week #1 Cleveland Browns

Game Preview

This is a category 2 game according to my rankings. The Steelers have more talent on both sides of the ball than the Browns. However, this game is in Cleveland and is their home opener. The Steelers have dominated this series really and as of late this has not been a rivalry; it has been a one sided ass-whooping.

However, the biggest mistake that the Steelers can do is to take this game lightly. The Steelers start with a new coach, a new offensive system and a lot of unknowns to be honest. On offense, the Browns will not be able to effectively establish a running game against the Steelers. This puts the game in Charlie Frye’s hands, which is a bit risky. If Charlie can deliver the ball to the tight end effectively, they will be able to move the ball. Historically, the tight ends have killed the Steeler defense.

On the other side of the ball, if the Steelers can establish a running game, the Browns defense will struggle. For all the talk of 4-wides and a wide open offense, I think that the Steelers offense will try to pound the ball in this game and tire out the defense. Also, an effective running game is going to open up things down the field for Big Ben.

I think this is a good opener for Pittsburgh. It is a level 2 game in my rankings and a win here will inspire confidence as well as put the Steelers on the right path for play-off hopes.

GO STEELERS!