Eyes turn to opener against the Steelers

New captain’s work ethic drives optimism after 0-16 season.

BEREA — Tyrod Taylor was grocery shopping Tuesday when he heard fans expressing excitement about the Browns opening the regular season at home Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Although Taylor is one of 31 newcomers on the 53-man roster, he gets it. An influx of tal-

ent has generated buzz about the Browns despite last season’s record of 0-16, and a win over the Steelers in Week 1 would soothe a considerable amount of pain.

“If there’s one team [Browns fans] want to beat, it’s definitely Pittsburgh,” Taylor said.

“It’s definitely an important game for us. Going against the

Steelers is like two games for us.”

Taylor learned the ins and outs of the AFC North as a backup to Baltimore Ravens starter Joe Flacco for four seasons. Then he signed with the Buffalo Bills, went 22-21 as a starter the past three years and was traded to the Browns in March for a thirdround draft pick despite help- ing the Bills end their 17-year playoff drought last season.

Now the Browns are counting on Taylor to lead them to respectability in the final seaarrived at team headquarson of a contract that has him ters shortly after 5 a.m. to making $16 million this year. begin his work days. He orga- Rookie No. 1 overall draft nized offseason workouts pick Baker Mayfield’s life as with teammates in Los Angean NFL starter is on hold, at les and, in many cases, paid least for now, because of Tayfor their travel expenses. lor’s presence. “The key to Everyone knows preseason his future will be these kinds games don’t count, but he of games,” coach Hue Jack- showed command in them, son said. “This will be what going 20-of-28 passing (71.4 people measure him on . ... percent) for 186 yards and He has worked extremely a touchdown without an hard this week. His focus is interception for a rating of good. He knows what needs 101.2 in his 11 series. Taylor to be done.” and four other players were

In Taylor’s six months with voted captains by teammates the Browns, he’s seized a Wednesday. Of the five capleadership role in every way tains, he’s the only one who imaginable. He has routinely is new to the Browns.

“This guy has come in and gone in head first with no hesitation,” offensive coordi- nator Todd Haley said. “He’s all in. He works his butt off the field. He works his butt off on the field. He’s a very good communicator, which is very critical at that posi- tion obviously.”

He might need to reach a new level to prevail against the Steelers, who are 33-6 against the Browns since 1999, and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, 21-2 as a starter against the Browns.

“I recognize the opportunity, as well as the team recognizes the opportunity, to change the culture here,” Taylor said, adding he won’t be limited whatsoever by the injury he suffered to his left, non-throwing hand Aug. 23 in a 5-0 exhibition win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Browns have lost their past 13 openers and are 1-18 in them during an expansion era highlighted by just two winning seasons.

“It’s very important [to win the first game],” Taylor said, “very important for our success this year.”

Taylor and the Browns seem to be a good match. A minus-28 turnover differ- ential last year played an enormous role in the team’s winless season. Meanwhile, Taylor had a career-low six turnovers (four interceptions and two lost fumbles) with the Bills.

“His mobility and decision making are excellent,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said on a conference call.

And, like the Browns, Taylor has something to prove. He has admitted the Bills’ decision to trade him motivates him every day.

“I’m sure there’s a fire burning,” Jackson said. “It’s the opening day for all of us, so I think he’ll be very excited.”