Everywhere you look, tomorrow’s Browns-Steelers game is billed as “the biggest game of the expansion era.” Indeed, these 60 minute will determine who holds the reins in the AFC North going down the season’s back stretch. Both teams have momentum. The Browns on paper have less talent and are three-point underdogs at home. So heading into their much-needed week off, what must the Browns do to celebrate a true coming-of-age? Here are the strategic keys to victory:

1) Defensive surge up the middle. Steelers QB Tommy Maddox has been picking apart defenses with three-step drops and quick releases. Their starting center, Jeff Hartings, is questionable, and his backup, Chukky Okobi, is probable. Our former Steelers, Orpheus Roye and Earl Holmes, must capitalize. Add in Gerard Warren, Alvin McKinley, and a few stunts from the defensive ends. Penetrate on passing downs and get those hands up. That will rattle their rhythm and allow our secondary to make plays on the ball rather than the receivers.

2) Reverse-action on offense. God forbid the Browns go ultra-conservative in the face of another talented defense. At home, you must play to win. Pittsburgh’s D has good overall speed and a variety of blitz schemes. So how does a team without a credible running attack keep them on their heels? Play fakes to receivers in motion. This can set up all sorts of misdirection, giving Couch some good looks downfield and Jamel White some open space the other way. End-arounds, double-reverses, flea-flickers — and the legitimate threat of any of these — will force them to defend the whole field and allow us to pick the best point of attack.

3) Take the high road. More than anything, the Browns have to act like winners. This means each player must concentrate on his role, avoiding stupid penalties. The Browns fans will supply the emotional spark, so there’s no need to be drawn into skirmishes that distract from the game plan. Let the Steelers lose their cool, and don’t act surprised when good things happen.