Cairns: Browns look to finish strong against the Steelers

More than just a win on the line Sunday

Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a 79 yard touchdown pass to teammate Antonio Brown #84 against the Cleveland Browns during the game on December 8, 2011 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared …
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Posted: 12/29/2011

By: Mike Cairns, newsnet5.com

CLEVELAND - The Browns would love to deny their division foe a first-round bye with a loss on Sunday, but more importantly, no matter who starts at quarterback (and at the time of this preview it looks like Seneca Wallace) the Browns need to prove they can hang with perennial division champs.

Wallace called the Steelers and the Ravens the bullies of the AFC North, and even with the surprise season the Bengals are having this year, the Browns need to start beating these two teams on a much more regular basis.

The Browns would like nothing more then to usher in the New Year with a win. Ben Roethlisberger did practice this week and could get the start and why not, the Steelers are 13-1 against the orange helmets in games started by Big Ben.

Pittsburgh would like to run the football and take the pressure off of Roethlisberger, but big plays hurt the Browns in the last matchup, especially with two 1,000-yard receivers to thrown to in Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown, who's 79-yard touchdown catch with 2:52 left put the Browns away in the first meeting.

Peyton Hillis is starting to heal just in time to help the Browns 28th-ranked rushing attack. Hillis ran for a season high 112 yards against the Ravens last week.

Josh Cribbs career-best 84-yard punt return for a touchdown will bring back some scary memories for the Steelers special teams as well.

The Browns feel they were one or two plays away from beating the Steelers three weeks ago, and it's that confidence along with the pride of wanting to end the season on a winning note that drives this football team.

The Browns defense harassed Roethlisberger in the first meeting and had a huge goal-line stand that kept them in the game. If Roethlisberger isn't able to go, 37-year-old Charlie Batch would get the start.

Wallace will make plays against the Steelers defense, but will he make enough to keep the Browns close? The Browns defense will do their part and barring any huge breakdowns in the secondary, this has all the makings of a low-scoring football game.