Ben Roethlisberger vs. Browns Defense
The Steelers aren’t the only team gambling on defensive schemes that employ a heavy dose of six-plus defensive backs. New Browns Head Coach, Mike Pettine, drafted corner Justin Gilbert in the first round to play alongside Joe Haden and Buster Skrine. With DT Phil Taylor and NT Ahtyba Rubin stuffing the middle, the Browns hope their linebacker group can stop the run enough to make the scheme work. Newly signed MLB Karlos Dansby provides a veteran presence next to second-year starter, Craig Robertson. They will be helped by former 49er safety Donte Whitner, who may not be the fastest guy on the field but he is a force in the run game.
The way the Browns are pressuring quarterbacks from a variety of positions, Ben Roethlisberger will need a good game from his blocking front. Pettine will be dialing up blitzes for his top rushers, Barkevious Mingo, Jabaal Sheard and Paul Kruger (ex-Raven) to contain and bring down Big Ben.
Todd Haley will try to counter the blitz with screens to Le’Veon Bell and speedster and Kent State alum, Dri Archer. The only question is — who will play the slot since Lance Moore (groin) has been ruled out? Will second-year WR Justin Brown start for Moore? Or will Haley finally admit like Emmanuel Sanders, the 5-11, 190-lb Markus Wheaton may be more productive in the slot than the outside? The Steelers already had questions at wide receiver prior to the injuries to Moore and rookie Martavius Bryant (shoulder). Wheaton has continued to struggle as a blocker and creating enough separation for Roethlisberger to find him.
Darrius Heyward-Bey played the outside in preseason and showed he may be the better target. He is definitely the better blocker. With all the early season injuries, Heyward-Bey may have finally lucked into the perfect situation. Skrine, at 5’9”, would be at a serious disadvantage going against the 6’2” Heyward-Bey. That’s if Haley admits the guy who was almost cut, Heyward-Bey, is his best outside option this Sunday.
Ben Tate/Terrance West vs. Steelers Defensive Line
The most obvious matchup for the Browns offense to exploit is the Steelers lackadaisical run defense against the Browns above-the-line rushing game. The Steelers made some personnel changes this off-season to boost their run defense. However, they failed to show improvements in preseason. They added Cam Thomas who likely starts at defensive end along with Cameron Heyward and a bulked up Steve McClendon. Read that here.
They also brought back 35-year-old Brett Keisel, who fought through multiple injuries last season. Rookie Stephon Tuitt will likely see action but his pass rush is seemingly more ready for NFL action than his run-stuffing abilities.
The questionable run defense could give room for the Browns offense to move the ball on the ground with experienced backs Ben Tate and rookie Terrance West.
Jordan Cameron vs Ryan Shazier
It is a rarity to see a rookie linebacker start Game 1 but the Steelers believe their top draft pick this year is ready to go. He will get a big test this week not only against the Browns running game but his coverage skills will be attacked by red-hot tight end, Jordan Cameron. Cameron had over 900 yards receiving while catching balls from backups Brandon Weeden, Jason Campbell and Brian Hoyer before he was injured last year.
After a season in which future Hall of Fame safety Troy Polamalu was forced to lineup as the cover-linebacker, Shazier takes over in the middle. Cameron will be one of the better TEs Shazier will face all season.
GAME PREDICTION: 27-13 STEELERS over the BROWNS
