Notes Before Kickoff: Browns vs. Steelers
Cleveland’s Season Kicks-Off at 1PM EST. Here’s what you need to know.

Tyrod Taylor said Cleveland is going to “shock the world” in an interview this week, and nothing would be more shocking than a win in week one against the Steelers.
The last time the Browns won a season opener, the date was September 12th, 2004. Mark Zuckerberg had just created Facebook, George W. Bush was still in his first term as President, and Michael Phelps was winning his first collection of medals in the Summer Olympics the month prior.
It’s a new season, and hopes are high in Believeland. Here’s what you need to know before kickoff.
UDFA Gets the Start at Left Tackle
Coach Hue Jackson announced this week that Desmond Harrison would be starting at left tackle week one. Harrison transferred from a community college his junior year to play football at the University of Texas. He left the Longhorns program without ever starting a game, and finished his college football career playing at West Georgia.
I’ll be honest — I didn’t keep up with the West Georgia Wolves last year. Even for the alumni and tape grinders that watched every snap, it’s safe to say there’s not much to glean from watching Harrison play last season given the level of competition he was facing.
What I do know about Harrison, is that the man is physically gifted. He checked in at the combine at 6’6”, 292lbs with an above average 34” arm length. Harrison ran the fastest 40-yard dash for a tackle in this years combine, and his time of 4.90 seconds ranks fifth amongst players at his position since 2000.
With nothing more than Harrison’s physical measurables and a fast 40 time to go off of, I’ll be fascinated to watch how he performs against the Steelers’ defensive front.

Tropical Storm Gordon Visits The Land
The gameday forecast is calling for plenty of rain and strong winds, and that’s precisely what the Browns need to win. Look for the wind to limit pass attempts. Even though the Browns have added several pieces this offseason to upgrade the secondary, last year’s team was one of the worst in the league at defending the pass. Anything to potentially keep the ball away from Antonio Brown and morph the game into a low scoring “ground and pound” slugfest is in Cleveland’s best interest, especially considering Le’Veon Bell is out this week.
Tyrod Taylor’s rushing ability will be an advantage for Cleveland; his scrambling will extend drives. If it’s low scoring as predicted (about 20 points should win it), even first downs may be hard to come by. Being able to move the ball more consistently is a considerable advantage, if for no other reason than gaining better field position.
Where’s Number 26?
As I’m sure you already know, Le’Veon Bell will not be playing against the Browns, and that’s a good thing. My condolences to all of you who drafted him in your fantasy league. If you’re in a tough spot at running back, I hope you picked up James Conner. The former Pittsburg Panther who overcame cancer in college will earn his first professional start in week one thanks to Bell’s absence. Conner will receive plenty of opportunity between replacing Bell’s in-game usage and the poor weather conditions. If you’re late to the James Conner party, hope he’s somehow still on your league’s waivers. This week sets up for Conner to compile impressive numbers.
Josh Gordon is Off the Injury Report
We can all rejoice. “Flash” Gordon will be on the field week one despite missing time in training camp and dealing with a hamstring injury. Gordon will not be starting, and is on a limited snap count in a game that projects to have low pass volume. Its hard to imagine him making a significant impact on the game unless he’s able to break a big play, but nonetheless its always a pleasure to see him on the field.
Steelers Favored to Win
According to OddsShark, the Pittsburgh Steelers are 3.5 point favorites against the Browns. The Browns have added plenty of talent this offseason, and the Steelers look like they might fall apart before the season even starts. But, the fact is we just haven’t seen the Browns win over the Steelers in a very long time. The Browns are 0–6 against the Steelers the past three seasons, with Cleveland’s last win against Pittsburgh in 2014. That being said, bet on the Browns today because not only will they cover the spread, Tyrod and company are going to shock the world and win.
Final Score: Browns 20, Steelers 17
Let’s continue the conversation. Comment below to let me know your thoughts or follow me @OTDawgPound to chat during the game on twitter.
