Goad QB Carson Wentz into mistakes
In Week 4, the Steelers forced Vikings QB Carson Wentz to make mistakes and picked him off twice, one leading to a touchdown. In what became a 24-21 win for Pittsburgh, the subsequent touchdown from the interception helped make the difference.
The Browns are coming into the game with a two-game takeaway streak with interceptions by S Grant Delpit and CB Denzel Ward. Also, they have one of the league’s best pass-rushing units, tied for seventh in the NFL in sacks.
Against the Packers, the Browns sacked QB Jordan Love five times and forced him to make quick decisions with the ball. That fast release led to Delpit jumping a route and making an interception. With multiple starting offensive linemen for Minnesota dealing with injuries, a talented Cleveland defensive line can take advantage and force fast decisions from Wentz.
“I mean injuries are part of the game and it’s an opportunity for some guys to step up and see what they can do,” defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said. “It’s up to us to try to exploit those matchups, so that’s a big part of the game. Usually, as our defensive line goes, we go. They’re the tempo setter for us. They’re the people that we lean on to be our engine. If they can capitalize on some of those matchups, all the better for us.”
