It’s another chance to show he has the skills necessary to develop into a successful National Football League starter.
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As for the Browns, they will be quarterbacked by Johnny Manziel, as Josh McCown’s ribs aren’t fully healed, causing him to miss his second consecutive start. The veteran quarterback has not played since November 20, and will continue to practice in a limited capacity. “It doesn’t really affect us at the end of the day”. “I can’t put an amount on it, but he’s steadily improved through the week”.
LAST MEETING: Browns 31, Steelers 10, October 12, 2014, FirstEnergy Stadium: The Steelers jumped to a 3-0 lead during a dominating first quarter that saw them rush for 57 yards and limit the Browns to minus 8 yards of offense in the first 15 minutes. And they will take that momentum into Pittsburgh Sunday. He suffered a foot injury in last week’s win over the Raiders and was replaced by Jones, who’s in line for his second career start Sunday. He said at the time he felt his foot was broken, but it was diagnosed as a sprain.
“If there”s a quarterback question, you have to just think,” he said.
“Hopefully, he’s a little worn out, a little dehydrated from last week”, joked coach Mike Pettine.
The preparation for a wounded Roethlisberger and Jones is more similar. Jones, who completed 4 of 6 passes for 79 yards and a touchdown against the Raiders, went 16 of 29 for 209 with one score and two interceptions in a 23-13 loss at Kansas City on October 25 in his only other start. He took a hit from Broncos linebacker Danny Trevathan but played on to connect with running back Ahmad Bradshaw for a touchdown and the 27-24 victory to snap a three-game losing streak. Pittsburgh’s defense could have an advantage on the Browns and their struggling run game this season.
When the Browns’ defense is working the way they intend it to they’re able to get pressure, force the ball out of the pocket quickly and then ball-hawk in the secondary. He too often reverts to his Texas A&M habit of improvising on the move.
Manziel talked to reporters Wednesday after working with the starters.
“As it extends, it’s only going to get harder”, left tackle Andrew Whitworth said of the winning streak.
“I’ve only played four starts”, he said.
“I would imagine DeAngelo would be a good fit in whatever circumstance he’s in”, coach Mike Tomlin said. “We know how important that is”.
Todman feels comfortable with the game plan against the Browns and is ready to play if called upon. McCown has thrown 11 touchdown passes and four interceptions this season.
Both the Browns and Steelers are on byes next week. It could be the last time Manning plays in front of the Indianapolis crowd that supported him for years as a Colt, so you know he will be looking to have a memorable performance. “As a competitor you want to be out there on the field”.
What also makes the situation even more concerning is that the other two running backs on the roster, Jordan Todman and Isaiah Pead, are unproven.
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The Steelers signed Todman as a free agent after the Carolina Panthers released him at the end of the preseason and he has just two carries for 14 yards.
