Cleveland Browns: 3 matchups to watch vs the 49ers
By Joel W. Cade
The Cleveland Browns return to Monday night football (again) against the San Francisco 49ers. Three keys match ups could determine the outcome of the game.
The Cleveland Browns take a second crack at Monday night football. The first return to prime time saw the Browns squeak by a very bad New York Jets team. But the performance against the Baltimore Ravens gives Browns fans hope that the season may be turning around. What better place to have a coming-out party than on Monday Night football?
Standing in the Browns way are the 49ers of San Francisco. Or should I say the Santa Clara 49ers? Regardless, the team by the bay sports is currently one of the better teams in the NFL.
At the helm for the 49ers is Jimmy Garoppolo. Yes, the same Jimmy Garoppolo some thought the Browns should have gone all-in on. The same Garoppolo some Browns fans hailed as the final piece of the then-struggling team. The same Garoppolo the 49ers traded for just as he was exiting his Super Bowl window. Nonetheless, most Browns fans have forgotten about the once hailed savior of Cleveland. Thank you Baker Mayfield!
The 49ers have a great offense under the guidance of former Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. Yes, the same Kyle Shanahan who presented the supposed 32-point presentation as to why he wanted out of his contract under former head coach Mike Pettine.
There are plenty of reasons that Browns fans should be excited the upcoming Monday night football game. But there are a few key matchups that may determine the outcome of the game. Without further ado, let’s get to matchup number one.