Analysis of the Steelers’ 2014 schedule: Weeks 1-4

WEEK ONE – PITTSBURGH STEELERS VS CLEVELAND BROWNS 

The Pittsburgh Steelers will open the 2014 Regular Season (NFL) by hosting the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on Sunday, September 1.  While most NFL insiders, including ESPN, expect the Browns to be in last place in the AFC North Division at the end of the regular season, the Browns are going to use the 2014 NFL Draft to try to repair any deficiencies they may have on the field.

The Browns feel that they are ready to put Pittsburgh under the microscope, according to their official website.  That being said, they are focused on Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell as the biggest offensive weapon the Steelers have.  That is surprising considering they made no mention of Ben Roethlisberger’s ability to take their defense apart short of him having a personal-worst game (which has happened before).  They completely ignored all receivers.  They did at least acknowledge the Steelers defense, but made it clear they feel that Pittsburgh can’t put together an effective one.

Pittsburgh won’t back down from the challenge.  The Browns are still struggling to find an identity under Pettine and may deal with a quarterback controversy early in the season.  Cleveland will also be facing a Steelers team that is no longer mired in despondency, but one that is on the upswing.

Pittsburgh can add to that sense of confidence by not only beating the Browns in Week One, but by sweeping the series – winning on October 12 in Cleveland.

Early prediction – Steelers win

ESPN analysis: “The Browns have made some improvements, but until the draft and until we see Brian Hoyer play, it’s tough to say they’re greatly improved. The schedule appeared favorable until the dates were released, but it’s tough to be overly positive about a team that has not given reason for optimism for 15 years.” – Pat McManamon (Prediction – Cleveland wins 6 games in 2014)

Reactions from Cleveland Browns analysts:

“The Browns have an opportunity at the beginning of the season to change the narrative…I love what [new head coach] Mike Pettine said about his first game as a NFL coach and it being against the Steelers…The Browns schedule is mapped out to have a challenging starting stanza and a challenging closing standa…the likelihood of Brian Hoyer starting the season is very high.” – Nathan Zegura

“You get the sense that everyone wants to change the culture and belief of this [Browns] franchise…To me, the first three weeks of the schedule are daunting.” – Michael Reghi

“One of the things that really stand out to me about the schedule is finishing two of the last three games with AFC North rivals… I think the Browns need to take a quarterback in the first round and I were running the team, I would take him with the pick at four.” – Mary Kay Cabot

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