If the Browns had their way, a rookie quarterback would not get his first start against one of the NFL's best defenses. Unfortunately the football gods don't see things the Browns' way very often. Rookie Colt McCoy will get the start this Sunday, with both Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace nursing ankle injuries and rest assured the Steelers will be coming after the former Longhorn with everything they have.
There is also a bit of revenge on tap for the Steelers. While Ben Roethlisberger won his first 10 starts against the Browns, it was the one he lost, 13-6 last December in Cleveland, that all but ended the Steelers' defense of their Super Bowl Title. Now Roethlisberger is returning from a four-game suspension for off-field issues and needless to say he is chomping at the bit to get into game action.
As for McCoy, he is saying all the right things coming into the game and is trying to show some confidence in the face of what has to be a tough situation.
"I've watched them play for a long time," McCoy said. "They've won Super Bowls. They've got tremendous players -- (James) Harrison, Polamalu, (LaMarr) Woodley. They're all good. Casey Hampton went to UT so I know him. I have all the respect in the world for those guys. We know what challenge we have ahead of us."
Will the Browns find out that they have their quarterback of the future or will the Steelers re-establish the dominance they showed the last five years against the Browns?
BROWNS STATS:
STEELERS STATS: