The Steelers host the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on Sunday, and the Browns are giving their take on facing Ben Roethlisberger or Landry Jones, the running game, and a friendship with DeAngelo Williams.
Here is what they had to say.
Coach Mike Pettine
On how do you prepare for maybe facing Ben Roethlisberger or Landry Jones:"There's a lot of tape out there on both. They have different styles of play. But I don't know if that will affect our preparation significantly. I don't know how much their offense will change. We are going to be prepared to see a healthy dose of them running the football, and the ball being spread around. The playmakers on that side of the ball is really what has driven that offense. Certainly you have to be well aware where Antonio Brown is. The last time I checked, he is playing. DeAngelo Williams has done a heck of a job filling in for Le'Veon Bell."
On Landry Jones:"He's big. He has a good presence in the pocket. I think it's on us to disrupt the pocket and to force him to make some throws from some uncomfortable positions to get him to move around a little bit. We have to get in his sight lines and affect him. I think if it's a clean pocket for him, he can step up and make easy throws to that group of wide receivers and skill players, then we would be in for a long day."
On what has fueled the Steelers long runs:
"It's a combination. I think they've done a good job schematically. Some of the runs are designed well. You add on top of that they have a very physical and aggressive offensive line, and then they have the guys running the football. It's no secret they had an elite back in Bell and then Williams has performed at a high level in this league for a long period of time. His stay in Pittsburgh has been no different."
Tight end Gary Barnidge
On his relationship with DeAngelo Williams:
"DeAngelo is a great dude. We've had a great relationship since we were in Carolina together. We go to WestleMania every year together. We talk quite a bit throughout the season. I'll see him before and he'll see me when he comes here. We have a great relationship, just a good friendship."
On Williams being successful late in his career:
"I think he just put his mind to it. Once he does that, he's able to do anything. He's just shown it. I think he's a great player and he's going to keep getting better. I know he lost some weight this year for the season, and I think that's helped him a lot too."
