New coach, but same result

The Steelers capitalized on several Browns errors to build a cushion toward a 34-7 rout.

By TOM WILLIAMS

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

CLEVELAND — Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.

To celebrate Mike Tomlin’s head coaching debut Sunday at Cleveland Browns Stadium, the Pittsburgh Steelers borrowed some Pete Townshend lyrics from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame two doors down.

Just as “retired” Steelers coach Bill Cowher’s teams overwhelmed the Browns over the past 15 years, Tomlin’s squad continued the tradition, quickly pouncing on Romeo Crennel’s inept, ill-prepared squad for 17 points.

The Steelers capitalized on three key first-quarter mistakes to produce a cushion the Browns didn’t come close to piercing in a 34-7 rout.

“I was pretty successful keeping my emotions in check,” said 35-year-old Tomlin after becoming the first Steelers coach to win his first game against the Browns. “This is not my story — it’s the story of the 2007 Steelers.”

Grateful for victory

Pressed for his feelings on his first NFL win, Tomlin said, “I appreciate it, I don’t want to devalue it. It was fun.”

It was anything but a hoot for the Browns and most of the 73,089 fans who were dumbfounded after the early deficit eliminated remaining suspense.

“We were expecting a lot more,” Crennel said. “We dug ourselves a tremendous hole and, in the NFL, when you dig yourself a hole it’s hard to get out.”

Despite a strong second quarter by the Browns defense, the team didn’t come close to emerging from such a confidence-shattering, bumbling start.

“It is definitely frustrating,” said Browns quarterback Derek Anderson, who replaced starter Charlie Frye in the second quarter. “We expect more from each other.”

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger matched a career-high of four touchdown passes, including one apiece to tight ends Matt Spaeth (5 yards) and Heath Miller (22 yards) in the second half.

“We’ve got weapons and we’re using them,” Roethlisberger said after passing for 161 yards.

Steelers tailback Willie Parker rushed for 109 yards on 27 carries. One was a 22-yard gain in the third quarter that led to Spaeth’s touchdown for a 24-point lead.

Early punting snafu

But essentially, the season opener was over long before that. Just 61 seconds into the game, Browns punter Paul Ernster (signed Saturday) ignited a firestorm (four penalties on one play) after he fumbled a perfect snap inside the Cleveland 5.

Ernster’s punt after a quick scramble traveled 15 yards. The Steelers accepted a holding call on Jerome Harrison, giving them possession on the 22.

Four plays later, Roethlisberger found wide receiver Hines Ward racing past defensive back Eric Wright for a 5-yard touchdown.

Two offensive plays later, cornerback Deshea Townsend’s interception of Frye set up Jeff Reed’s 26-yard field goal for a 10-0 lead six minutes into the game.

Late in the quarter, Steelers linebacker James Farrior popped Browns running back Jamal Lewis at the Cleveland 36, forcing a fumble recovered by cornerback Bryant McFadden at the 40.

On the next play, Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes streaked past Browns defenders Brodney Pool and Sean Jones to haul in a strike from Roethlisberger.

“The defense was just lackadaisical at that time and we were able to get behind them,” Holmes said.

Must find way to rebound

Now, the Browns must try to find a way to rebound to avoid their eighth losing season since 1999.

“We turned the ball over, put the defense in a short field and then finally they wore down,” Crennel said. “The guys could have played a lot better.

“When that happens and you are playing a good football team, you are going to lose.”

The Browns defense recovered to shut down Roethlisberger in the second quarter (0-for-9 thanks to several dropped passes).

But once the Steelers scored on the second-half’s opening possession with a eight-play, 71 yard drive, the game was over.

Frye completed 4-of-10 tosses for 34 yards and one pickoff. He was sacked five times for 31 yards and earned a passer rating of 10.

Anderson completed 13-of-28 passes for 184 yards and an interception.

Because of the huge deficit early, Lewis was mostly ineffective, gaining 35 yards on 11 carries.

“Up front, we played great,” Steelers safety Ryan Clark said. “We made them one-dimensional.”

williams@vindy.com