PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan)- Former Steeler cornerback Bryant McFadden won two Super Bowls and appeared in three during his career.
He was a part of some of the greatest defensive units in franchise history and, with the Steelers, that says a lot.
This Sunday's game features a 4-0 Pittsburgh team against the upstart 4-1 Cleveland Browns. Through the first 5 games, the Browns are 4th in the league in scoring while averaging 31.2 points per game.
McFadden joined The Fan Morning Show Tuesday and talked about why and how the Steelers can get the best of the Browns.
"Last week against the Colts, I think the Colts are probably the best defensive team outside of Baltimore that the Browns have faced. If you look at those two matchups, the first ballgame against Baltimore, granted it was the first ballgame, Baker and the Browns offense did not look good. The Ravens basically suffocated their offense and they put them in difficult positions and they created turnovers.
Going back to last week, the Colts had success against the Browns offense as well creating turnovers. They didn't the help from their offense and it led to a loss, but they (the Browns) were susceptible. So, that's the measuring stick that I have personally.
Looking at the Browns record and looking at the defensive teams they played against, the two best defensive team had success and created turnovers. I think the Steelers have a better defense than the Ravens and the Colts. You look at what they have in terms of rushing the passer, you don't necessarily need to blitz to put pressure on Baker Mayfield and the offensive line. I think the Steelers have the one-on-one defenders that can beat their one-on-one blockers at any given time.
Now eventually you'd like to get exotic and show something different and come with some blitzes. But they can find success with Dupree, Heyward, Watt and the rest of the gang just being generic and winning their one-on-one opportunities."
In saying that, McFadden loves the nickel blitzes from cornerback Mike Hilton and says that more times than not, they are effective for this defense.
McFadden also thinks the win against the Eagles was the most important of the season so far. Not only in staying undefeated, but in the way the Steelers did it.
"The defense looked like it finally had some issues. They had issues on 3rd down getting off the football field. They had issues limiting the big plays. That put pressure on what unit? The offense.
The offense, they were able to answer the call which was great for me to see because I don't expect our defense have the struggles we saw Sunday week in and week out. We know that's a top tier unit with top tier players. They just didn't have their best game.
But the offense was able to pick up the slack and put up 30 plus points, and if the offense can continue to have that personality in place along with the defense getting back to being that dominating unit we know they are, now there will be hell to pay. There will be hell to pay in the National Football League."
