3 keys to success for the Steelers defense vs. Browns tonight
2. Steelers Must Hone in on Nick Chubb
The first key leaks into the next, though the linebacking corp of Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts and Kwon Alexander have to tighten their chin straps this week and be on the same page as an interior line vacant of the dependable Heyward.
Last week that corp was far from good and even further from perfect. It's understandable that the new faces on this defense may be a bit out of sync, but Week 1 is the lone forgiveness they'll get. This is a significant divisional rivalry game. No one cheering for the Black & Gold wants to see Nick Chubb do Nick Chubb things.
Now, Chubb will get his. He had 22 efficient touches last week: 18 carries for 106 yards and four catches for 22 yards. He's simply one of the best offensive weapons in all of football.
If Holcomb is out of his gap assignment as he was on the big McCaffrey touchdown in Week 1, expect the same result. If the Heyward-less interior offensive line is out of gap assignment because of inexperience, expect the same result.
Containing Chubb is pertinent to a larger discussion: giving the offense more opportunities. The Steelers cannot allow the Browns to control the clock with Chubb churning out first downs on long drives. Turnovers would be nice, but holding Cleveland to six plays or less and forcing a punt would be just as valuable to give the ball back to the offense as often as possible as they get their sea legs under them early in this season.