5 reasons Cleveland Browns will stomp Steelers for 3rd straight time

4. Cleveland Browns: Steelers not as stout up front

The Steelers have had plenty of Hall of Famers on the offensive side of the ball over the years, but usually, they’re defense is great, as well. They were called the Steel Curtain back in the ’70s for a reason.

In the Browns’ expansion era, , Pittsburgh’s down linemen have always posed big headaches while outside linebackers in the 3-4 scheme usually combine for 20 sacks per season.

Pittsburgh still has big names on defense with Cameron Hayward at defensive tackle and T.J. Watt, and Alex Highsmith complementing him at outside linebacker following the free-agent departure of Bud Dupree.

Former first-round pick Devin Bush and former Brown Joe Schobert man the inside, and those players have been drawing criticism for lack of production. Coach Mike Tomlin said they could play better, but noted the down linemen could improve as well.

"“Quality of their play could be better but so could the play in front of them…Much like we talk about rush and coverage working hand in hand, it’s very difficult to evaluate inside linebackers in a vacuum.”"

Pittsburgh lost it’s starting nose tackle Tyson Alualu to the IR, while there’s also no timetable or the return of tackle Stephon Tuitt.

This position group is vulnerable and can be move around, which is important considering the emphasis Cleveland puts on running the ball. Pittsburgh’s down linemen can be pushed around and I’m looking for Cleveland’s offensive line to be an accommodating bunch.