Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: 5 matchups that will decide Week 1

Landry vs. Haden, Burns, Hilton

You’d think Josh Gordon would be the game-changing receiver for the Browns, and he may very well end up being that player, but it’s hard from a slam dunk.

That’s why Tyrod Taylor needs Jarvis Landry to prove why the Browns traded for him, and then gave him a five-year, $75 million contract extension.

The last time we saw Landry, he had caught 3-of-10 targets in preseason game No. 3. Catching 30 percent of your targets isn’t how you amass 100-yard catch season, which is what Landry’s averaged in his first four-years in the league.

I think new offensive coordinator Todd Haley will employ Landry in deep routes, but the former Dolphin will also remind everyone of how his bread his buttered.

The Browns figure to employ a heavy dose of Carlos Hyde, but when it comes to moving the chains and keeping drives alive, Landry’s going to be essential to the passing game.

He’ll be going up against former Brown Joe Haden, as well as Mike Hilton and Artie Burns.

Pittsburgh uncharacteristically let a lot of big plays transpire out of short throws last season, which is something the Browns, and Landry in particular, should try to exploit.

Perhaps Gordon replicates or betters his four-catch, 112-yard game from last the 2017 season finale, but it’s hard to count on someone who missed all of Training Camp and has battled hamstring issues.

Gordon isn’t expected to start, but he’ll still likely be a factor in Haley’s offense.