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Steelers’ defensive keys to victory in Week 17 matchup vs. Browns
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- Steelers’ defensive keys to victory in Week 17 matchup vs. Browns
The Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 17, an AFC North showdown with potential playoff implications, depending on the outcome of Saturday's matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and the Green Bay Packers .
To give themselves the best shot at defeating the Browns on Sunday, the Steelers will need to lean heavily on these three defensive keys, from game-planning for a mobile rookie quarterback to forcing Cleveland's hand on offense.
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Contain Shedeur Sanders
If the Steelers learned anything about Sanders over the past several weeks, in which he led the Browns in rushing yards for three straight contests, it's that the rookie quarterback isn't afraid to call his own number when necessary. Preventing Sanders from scrambling and forcing him to step up in the pocket will be pivotal to a Week 17 win.
Take advantage of Cleveland's third-down struggles
The Browns have struggled on offense this season, particularly on third-down conversions, where they're the fourth-worst team in the league. Creating as many third-and-long situations for Cleveland should give Pittsburgh enough of an advantage to win this important area on Sunday.
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Make the Browns' offense one-dimensional
The Browns' rushing attack is almost all bark and no bite, as Cleveland's offense could be down to its fourth-string running back this Sunday. Pittsburgh needs to take advantage of the Browns' run game woes early and force the opposition to lean on their inconsistent passing game.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers' defensive keys to victory in Week 17 matchup vs. Browns
