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Cleveland Browns: 3 matchups to watch in Week 5

By Casey Kinnamon

Sep 17, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) runs with the ball during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) runs with the ball during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Browns. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Kevin Stefanski vs Matt Eberflus

This is a matchup of great young coaching minds. Kevin Stefanski and Matt Eberflus’ respective units are firing on all cylinders so far this season. With strength on strength, it could be the guys calling the shots on the sidelines that make the biggest difference on Sunday.

Coach Stefanski has the Browns offense absolutely humming after four games. The Browns currently lead the NFL in rushing yards (818), average yards per rush (5.88), and rushing touchdowns (8). Stefanski’s offense is also averaging 31 points per game.

On the other side of the ball, the Colts’ defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus helms the stingiest defense in the NFL. The Colts only allow an average of 14 points per game to opponents. Eberflus’ rush defense is currently fourth in the NFL allowing only 77 yards per game on the ground and have only given up one rushing touchdown on the season.

Both the Browns offense and Colts defense boast impressive resumes at the quarter mark of the season. Although, both units could be discounted due to the sub-par competition they have faced up until this point. This will be each unit’s first real test of the season and will validate the winner of this matchup.

Injuries will impact this matchup on both sides. Stefanski faces the challenge of not having Nick Chubb as his lead back, so it is yet to be seen how it will impact his play calling. However, if Kareem Hunt is fully recovered from his groin injury, there should not be much of a change in the game plan.

The Colts stellar linebackers are banged up with both Darius Leonard and Bobby Okereke designated as questionable to suit up. If either is to miss Sunday’s game it would be a huge blow to the Indianapolis defense.

Iron sharpens iron. Both units will benefit later in the season from this early season matchup.

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