Five more things I noticed during the Steelers' 31-0 win over the Browns on Sunday:
1. The I formation worked well when the Steelers used it, giving Willie Parker a lead blocker through the hole instead of having him look for a seam taking a toss out of the regular pro set. The Steelers could use the I more frequently in the playoffs because Parker likes running out of it and it gives the Steelers more of a power look in goal-line and short-yardage sets.
2. The Browns need to get much better at stopping the run with their defensive ends, assuming the new coach and general manager stick with the 3-4 defense. Steelers ends Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel are two of the best in the league against the run, which frees up outside linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley to rush the passer and make plays. One of the reasons the Browns can't generate a steady pass rush is because their outside linebackers have to help against the run. Teams have run away from nose tackle Shaun Rogers, which makes the problem worse.
3. Eric Wright has improved faster than Brandon McDonald and gives the Browns a legitimate cover corner next season. They still need to add depth at the position, preferably a veteran who would allow McDonald to move to the nickel. Daven Holly's healthy return next season also will help.
4. If I were Mike Tomlin I would still have some concerns about Ben Roethlisberger, who has made some bad decisions with the ball in the second half of the season. Roethlisberger's interception before he was hurt Sunday came on an awful pass inside the Cleveland 10-yard-line, the kind of turnover that could swing momentum in a playoff game.
5. Gary Russell continues to be effective as the Steelers' short-yardage back. But despite his production this season there seems to be no way the Steelers will keep him when Rashard Mendenhall comes back. It's far more likely Russell will catch on with another team as a change-of-pace back and the Steelers will keep Mewelde Moore, who is signed for two more years at under $2 million per season.
-- John Dudley