Seven weeks is an eternity in the NFL. The Browns were heavy underdawgs for their Oct. 5 game in Pittburgh. Now, despite a less-than-sterling 4-6 record, they’re favorites. Let’s illustrate further by comparing the “matchups” pieces that Steve Doerschuk of the Canton Repository wrote before each game. He weighs in on who has the advantage in 10 different facets of the game.
For Oct. 5, the Steelers had the edge in seven areas, two were ranked even, and one (D-line) was begrudgingly conceded to the Browns.
Now, Doerschuk thinks the Browns are superior in seven areas, compared to three for the Steelers.
The biggest turnarounds: quarterback, receivers, defensive backs, coaching, and intangibles.
OK then, it sounds like we ought to air out these differences on the field and see if Holcomb’s 429-yard game was a fluke or a precedent.