Browns Preview 12/29/17: Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

It's the season finale for the Browns as they try and fend off 0-16 for The Browns will be taking on the Steelers' backups since they've already clinched a first round bye in the playoffs. The Steelers are likely starting Landry Jones at quarterback and won't be playing running back Le'Veon Bell this game either. It's unknown what other players besides Bell, Antonio Brown, and Ben Roethlisberger will be sitting for this matchup so the preview will be even more Browns focused than usual.


Browns Offense vs Steelers Defense

I honestly don't really know what to say when it comes to the Browns offense. We've watched it all year, and it stinks. DeShone Kizer can't play a game where he doesn't turn the ball over and because of his poor decision making teams either bring pressure or shade coverage to Josh Gordon. Kizer needs to spread the ball much better than he has and if he doesn't do it early, Hue Jackson better pull him if he wants any chance to win.

It's also on Hue Jackson to run the ball. I know Isaiah Crowell is in the dog house and is most likely playing his last game in a Browns uniform but it's in Hue's best interest to run the ball with any of the three backs on the roster because of the poor weather conditions. It's unfortunate that it's come down to Jackson's playcalling instead of players on the field, but for once this season Hue has to coach to what he has to work with...



Browns Defense vs Steelers Offense

With the unknown of who's going to be playing on the offensive side of the ball the key for the defense should be simple. Get to Landry Jones and force a turnover or two. The running game for the Steelers shouldn't be much of a factor since Bell and Connor are out for the game so it's time for Gregg Williams to bring pressure and make Jones uncomfortable in the pocket. If Jones beats the Browns defense then good on him.





Five Guys To Watch


1. Myles Garrett: Garrett missed the week one matchup because of an injury. Now I know he isn't going against number 7 but it would be nice to show Pittsburgh what they have to deal with for the next 10 years.

2. Jabrill Peppers: This is another game where we get to see Peppers play near the line of scrimmage more. I wonder if the plan for next year is to have Peppers line up more at the strong safety spot rather than free safety 25 yards away from the snap.

3. Jason McCourty: McCourty has played really well this season. As the leader of the defense he needs to make a huge play in this game. Whether it's an interception or a forced fumble, the Browns haven't really made a huge play on defense this year.

4. Hue Jackson: Hue Jackson should be coaching for his job Sunday. It's pretty simple...How can the Browns honestly bring back a coach who could potentially go 1-31 in two seasons...

5. Jimmy Haslam: Now I know Haslam isn't a part of any of the game day stuff but he's someone everyone is going to be watching once the game is over. Even though he said Hue will be back for 2018 a few weeks ago going 0-16 could potentially change that whether or not it's for the good or the bad.


Weather Report:

Injury Report:

Betting Line (As of 12/28/17): Pittsburgh -8

Prediction:

As hard as it is to go 16-0 it might be just as hard to go 0-16. Terrible teams somehow win a couple game per year, but the Browns haven't which is nuts...That being said the NFL is set up for teams to basically win six games a year which is why I think the Browns are going to somehow win this game. The Steelers are resting most of their players and the Browns are fighting history...only one team has gone 0-16 and each member of the Browns don't want to be added to the list of players that have played on a winless team.

Final Score:
Browns: 17 Steelers: 14