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Steelers vs Browns: 3 Key Matchups to watch in week 13

By Jobe Morrison

CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 14: Running back Jaylen Samuels #38 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 14, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 14: Running back Jaylen Samuels #38 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 14, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 14: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns drops back to throw the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 14, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland defeated Pittsburgh 21-7. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 14: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns drops back to throw the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 14, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland defeated Pittsburgh 21-7. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

Front Line vs. Baker Mayfield

Did he have a great game in round 1? Not particularly. What Baker Mayfield did do was hold off the Steelers pass rush by extending plays outside of the pocket.

On the opening drive, he hit Kareem Hunt on third down that extended the drive that turned into a touchdown. He would make more plays throughout the night in this fashion, including the final touchdown that effectively put the game out of reach.

With a dominant performance defensively against the Bengals, the Steelers will have to bring that momentum and discipline to do one thing: make Baker’s life hell.

Bud Dupree and TJ Watt will have to make sure to set the edge and collapse it. Baker was able to escape them multiple times in the first matchup, something they can’t afford in round 2.

It’s going to be the only way to stop this offense that dropped 41 points on the Dolphins last week. While taking the run game away will be just as crucial, the issue before was containing Baker.

If they can’t get it done and put Baker on the ground consistently, you’ll see just a few more plays made that could come back to haunt the Steelers at the end.

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