Pittsburgh Steelers Ben Roethlisberger
The Pittsburgh Steelers are hosting the Cleveland Browns in one of the NFL's most bitter rivalries on Sunday, Sept.7 at 1:00 PM, EST. The game could mark the first regular season Johnny Manziel sighting, as first year Brown's coach Mike Pettine takes the dogpound on the road to face Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers in an early AFC North battle at Heinz Field.
The Steelers vs. Browns game will be televised on CBS, and fans can watch the game through live stream online below (free with subscriptions).
The Cleveland Browns are coming off a 4-12 2013 that saw them fire their head coach after just that one season at the helm, and once again have quarterback issues all throughout the year. Pettine is the third head coach for the much beleaguered Browns in three seasons.
This year, they're hoping to get things back on the right track with veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer under center. As most of the world knows by this point, Hoyer beat out rookie Manziel for the starting job.
From the start, Hoyer needs to get into a groove and get his confidence up. It's going to be tougher for him though, as one of the NFL's best receivers last year in Josh Gordon has been suspended for the entire years due to repeated offenses. The good news is Cleveland should have no issue running the ball this season with the newly acquired Ben Tate and rookie Terrance West in the backfield. If the Browns can establish the run early, then it may open up Hoyer and the passing game.
How Hoyer does against the Pittsburgh secondary will be one of the key match ups.
Pittsburgh went 8-8 last season and narrowly missed the playoffs. Ben Roethlisberger reports feeling great this year, after being plagued by injury in 2013. He hopes to get a new contract with the team following the season, so he surely wants to do great this year. No doubt he is happy to see LeGarrette Blount, who came over in free agency from the Patriots, and Le'Veon Bell in the backfield with him.
Browns cornerback Joe Haden must come up big, if Cleveland is going to have a shot at victory.
A key matchup for the Steelers' offense will be how wide receiver Antonio Brown does against Browns cornerback Joe Haden. Last year Brown hauled in 15 of the 17 Balls thrown his way when he was matched against Haden, putting up 179 yards and a TD.
If the Brown want to have a prayer in this one, then Haden must smother Brown and keep him from scoring.
To catch the game online, you can check out NFL Sunday Ticket or try ProNFL.net. If you want to listen on the radio, the Pittsburg broadcast on WBBG, AM 970, and the Browns broadcast on WKNR 850 AM. The game will be on the CBS Television Network with a 1 pm EST kickoff.
