Browns: 3 keys to victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers

Let D’Ernest Johnson get more touches

The Browns made a baffling move to not get D’Ernest Johnson truly involved until the fourth quarter of the Week 5 game against the Colts. When he did finally get his chances, he helped put the Colts away with a big run against a defensive unit that hadn’t given up many against the Browns. Kareem Hunt isn’t doing too well up the middle on rushing plays and the Browns would be wise to utilize Hunt more in draws, screens, and overall passing plays instead.

If Hunt is used more in the passing game, that helps the previous problem with finding targets other than the receivers as well.

Johnson has shown some great quickness getting through holes and up the middle of a defense. The Steelers have some good linebackers still, but nothing like they’ve had in years past. Even if Wyatt Teller is hurt, the Browns offensive line has been absolutely unstoppable in the rushing game and should be able to get Johnson the space needed to make plays.

Getting a solid running game going is imperative for Baker Mayfield’s performance. The play-action pass is one of the Browns best offensive plays, and if the Steelers aren’t biting on the fakes, then it’s largely useless. Hunt should be reserved for non-up-the-middle plays, meaning Johnson will need to be given a bulk of the between the tackles action.