Cleveland Browns aim to disrupt Steelers’ playoff aspirations as Shedeur Sanders takes center stage
The Cleveland Browns find themselves in a surprising position as the regular season winds down, with two games remaining and a lot left to play for. Despite their struggles, having only secured three victories this season, the Browns have a chance to play the role of spoiler against their long-time rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. A win could force the Steelers into a decisive Week 18 showdown against the Baltimore Ravens, adding an extra layer of drama to the conclusion of the season.
Shedeur Sanders in the spotlight
Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has become a focal point for the Browns as they navigate the final stretch of the season. Despite facing criticism for his conservative play in a recent loss to the Buffalo Bills, Sanders has followed the team’s guidelines, prioritizing completion percentage over riskier throws. With the pressure mounting, a solid performance against the Steelers could not only provide a much-needed victory but also complicate the Browns’ off-season plans.
Should Sanders lead the Browns to victory, it would likely push the team down the draft order, making it more challenging for general manager Andrew Berry to select a potential replacement quarterback. While the Steelers’ defense has shown improvement in recent weeks, they are not regarded as an elite unit, presenting Sanders with an opportunity to showcase his skills against a rival team.
Establishing the run game
Another crucial aspect of the Browns’ game plan will be their ability to run the football effectively. With standout rookie running back Quinshon Judkins out for the season, head coach Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees must devise a balanced attack. The absence of star linebacker T.J. Watt for the Steelers may play to the Browns’ advantage, allowing them to exploit gaps in Pittsburgh’s defense.
In the past three games, Sanders has emerged as Cleveland’s leading rusher, a reflection of the team’s struggles to establish a ground game. However, last week marked a turning point. Following Judkins’ injury, Raheim “Rocket” Sanders stepped up with 11 carries for 42 yards, while Trayveon Williams contributed with three carries for 17 yards and an additional 38 yards through the air. If Dylan Sampson, who is listed as questionable, can participate, the Browns may find further success on the ground, thus alleviating some of the pressure on their rookie quarterback.
Aiming for history with Myles Garrett
As the game approaches, all eyes will also be on Myles Garrett, who is on the cusp of making history. With only one sack needed to break the single-season record, Garrett will be eager to take down veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has been sacked just 25 times this season. At 42 years old, Rodgers is known for his quick release, making Garrett’s task a challenging one.
Rain is in the forecast for the game, creating an opportunity for Garrett to capitalize early on and potentially secure that record. If he can disrupt Rodgers in the first half, it would allow Cleveland’s defense to shift focus towards stopping the run and executing a game plan that could lead to a significant upset.
The stakes are high as the Browns prepare to face the Steelers, with both teams vying for different outcomes in the playoffs. For Cleveland, the chance to spoil their rivals’ dreams while simultaneously evaluating the future of their own franchise rests on the shoulders of a young quarterback and a resilient team.
