The Cleveland Browns continued to impress on Sunday with their tight win over the Tennessee Titans. Now they are looking to keep their winning ways alive and well this weekend when they battle the Pittsburgh Steelers.
But the Steelers are not the Titans. And even though the Browns have already taken down their AFC North rivals once this season, there are concerns that the Steelers might have their numbers on November 1. Speaking on ESPN Cleveland, Tony Grossi gave the Browns a clear goal and pathway for victory: score early.
He believes that if the Browns score toward the start of the game, they can throw the Steelers off and also improve their own game plan.
“I am a big lead guy. 7-0. Take the ball and go score. It just forces the other team to throw instead of just smash-mouthing you, like Pittsburgh can do. It allows the defensive pass rush to take off on the quarterback. It also allows you to explore and develop your running game because you’re not panicking on offense and needing to score quickly. Maintain possession of the ball, and shorten the game. Sometimes you have to do that against Pittsburgh,” Grossi said.
.@TonyGrossi thinks the Browns need to get an early lead to win in Pittsburgh.
Do you think they can do it? pic.twitter.com/Om8h6LqkuL
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) October 27, 2026
Early scoring from the Browns could put the Steelers on their back heels, and then Cleveland will have them right where they want them. They want to control the tone, pace, and feel of the game, and early touchdowns or field goals are a great way to do that.
This could force the Steelers to rely on passing instead of simply running. They will be more desperate, which could lead to long throws and more chances for the Browns to create interceptions or incompletions.
Grossi said that scoring early could also give the Browns a chance to work on their own running game. Throughout the season, some fans have complained about their run game. If they are comfortably ahead of the Steelers, they can try new things, enhance their skills, and improve their confidence. All of that could help the Browns for the rest of the season.
Wins haven’t been easy this year. The Browns have already put the Steelers away once, but that doesn’t mean they will easily do it again. Sunday’s game will be a huge test for both teams.
The Browns can make life much easier for themselves if they score early in the first quarter and send a message.
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