Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns: Coordinator’s Comments
After a lack luster victory over the Jaguars in week five, the Pittsburgh Steelers will be back on the field Sunday to close out the season series against the Cleveland Browns. On Tuesday Mike Tomlin gave his weekly press conference, in which he commented on the matchup with the Browns, injuries, and he said obviously 15 times. NPC’s Kim Myers gave an overview of the presser in Tomlin Tuesday. On Thursday both Dick LeBeau and Todd Haley gave quick interviews about how their unit is looking and what they expect come Sunday.
For the second time this season the Steelers will be taking on Brian Hoyer. People seem to forget that Hoyer spent some time in Pittsburgh. Todd Haley was asked about what he thought about Hoyer during his time as a Steeler and what he is doing in the league now.
"“We really got kind of excited about Brian while he was here. He is a really smart guy. He was well prepared. He brought a lot to the meetings and out on the field. He has real good football intellect as far as the feel and what was going on. I am not real surprised by what he has done. He was driven and he wanted to prove that he was pretty good. I am happy to see that, but hopefully not Sunday.” – Haley on Hoyer"
Haley was then asked about the possibility of Martavis Bryant suiting up for a game in the near future. Haley said that Bryant is no doubt making progress, but as far his potential to play it will come down to Coach Tomlin’s decision and also if he can be an asset on special teams.
The next topic Haley was asked about was Dri Archer. Firstly he was asked if Archer is back to full health. Haley said you’d have to ask Archer but he thinks he looks pretty good moving around the field. He then said that he felt there could have been a few explosive plays last week for Archer, unfortunately they didn’t come to fruition. Haley was then asked if it has been difficult to get Archer involved in the offense with Le’Veon Bell and LeGarrette Blount in the backfield. Haley said it is a good challenge to have but it can also be difficult because Le’Veon is a number one back and he should be on the field often. He also said Blount is a workhorse averaging 6.3 yards per carry, so Archer will have to take advantage of his touches.
Finally Haley talked about how the offense has gotten away from the run game in the red zone. Haley didn’t say the Steelers have gotten away from running near then end zone but rather there are some run to pass checks that come into play. Ultimately he said they didn’t execute and they need to do a better job whether it’s a run or a pass.
Since the Steelers are about to face the Browns offense that had its way with Dick LeBeau’s defense in the second half of the week one matchup, LeBeau faced numerous questions about the Browns players and style of offense.
In week one the Browns ran for 191 yards and three players received five or more carries. LeBeau commented that they have three excellent running backs. He said the Steelers defense will have to do better than they did in the first game. He also said that every week rushing defense is very critical.
Sep 7, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Terrance West (28) runs the ball past Pittsburgh Steelers defenders during the second half at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won the game, 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
The next topic asked was about the Browns offensive line. LeBeau said that their line play has been excellent and its been as good as anybody they’ve seen. LeBeau thinks the o-line is a major reason why they have been able to come back in their games. He said “They’re fighters and they just keep competing and you can see it. I think it starts with their offensive line.”
The Browns up-tempo offense, which was so effective in week one, was then asked about. LeBeau thinks the Browns utilize it well when they are situations when they want to get a few extra snaps. He didn’t think there is a rhyme or reason for them to go into the up-tempo but it is based on feel from his video observation.
Finally LeBeau was asked about the rivalry with the Browns and if the recent competitiveness of the Browns has increased the intensity of the games. LeBeau commented that he thought the Browns have been competitive despite the win-loss total. LeBeau said that 99 percent of the games are hard-fought because there isn’t much love lost between these two teams. LeBeau also mentioned that there is no question that they’re much better and going to get better yet.
You can listen to both Haley’s and LeBeau’s interviews right here.