The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off a winning performance in Week 10, a 24-19 win over the Green Bay Packers, and while it was the team’s sixth win, it was a performance which didn’t lift many fans’ hopes. The hope is there is a better performance on the horizon on Sunday in Week 11 when the team travels to play the Cleveland Browns.

What exactly do the Steelers need to do to claim their seventh victory of 2023? Let’s break it down by offense and defense…

Offense

Run the ball

Some might say it is an exercise in futility to constantly run into a stacked box, something the Browns will likely be doing from the start of the game, but if they ever want to play off the run they’ll need to actually run the football. Not to mention the Steelers’ running game has been extremely effective the past two weeks, so time to see how they can impose their will on the opposition.

Play off the run

Speaking of the previous paragraph, the Steelers need to play off the run. On top of that, when the Browns stack the box and bring the safety in for run support, you have to be able to beat them down the field through the air.

Use the entire field

For the love of all things holy, can the Steelers start to utilize the entire field on offense? This isn’t just a Matt Canada thing, but also a Kenny Pickett thing. For the Steelers offense to ever be considered remotely good, the offense has to start to become more versatile, and you can start with using the entire field.

Defense

Take the ball away

The Steelers have a +10 turnover differential, and that will have to continue. DTR is starting in Week 11 for Cleveland, and the Steelers will have to force him into mistakes.

Live in the backfield

The Steelers defensive front will be without Montravius Adams, but that loss is lessened by the fact Keeanu Benton will see an increased role in Adams’ stead. With Benton collapsing the pocket from the interior, it’s time for the pass rush to live in the backfield whenever Cleveland dials up a pass.

Stop the run

A fear of mine is DTR completes a game with about 15 pass attempts. Sure, that could equate in a dominant performance by the defense, but it also could be in the Browns run game getting going. The Steelers have to stop the run and force the Browns offense into the quarterback’s hands.

I talk about this, and MUCH more on the latest episode of “Let’s Ride”, and you can hear that podcast in the player below this article. In the meantime, be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the team as they gear up for game time!