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Steelers vs Browns: 3 Key Matchups to watch on Thursday Night Football

By Jobe Morrison

CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 09: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball between the defense of Denzel Ward #21 and Damarious Randall #23 of the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 09: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball between the defense of Denzel Ward #21 and Damarious Randall #23 of the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 10: Steven Nelson #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers breaks up a pass intended for Gerald Everett #81 of the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at Heinz Field on November 10, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 10: Steven Nelson #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers breaks up a pass intended for Gerald Everett #81 of the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at Heinz Field on November 10, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Nelson & Haden vs OBJ & Landry

This could be the most significant matchup for the Steelers defense. Top 2 vs. top 2.

After shutting down the Rams offense, the Steelers play against an offense that has struggled but is extremely potent.

The Browns’ biggest threat right now is the ground game. Nick Chubb has gashed defenses weak and strong–such as the New England Patriots. The front 7 will have to prepare for the run game and slow it down at all costs.

This will leave the secondary in a lot of single coverage opportunities. Last week, this worked out as they held their top weapons to minimal production.

The Haden and Nelson tandem has played at the level the Steelers saw in their potential, maybe even better. The corners matchup against a frustrated OBJ and momentum building Jarvis Landry.

Coming off probably their finest performances, Haden and Nelson will have to play at an equally high level against two very good receivers.

Odell Beckham Jr has only scored one touchdown all season and has even vented his frustrations about not getting more passes thrown his way. Jarvis Landry comes off a game in which he recorded 9 receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown in a win over the Bills.

Can Nelson and Haden continue their strong seasons and give these Cleveland Pro Bowl receivers fits?

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