The Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns are just hours away from kicking off a huge matchup at FirstEnergy Stadium and we had a chance to chat with Jeff Risdon, managing editor of The Browns Wire about Sunday’s game.

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1. The Browns are 6-3, have an identity on offense, and appear to be stable for the first time in years. What has Kevin Stefanski meant for the culture of that organization? Can he get the Browns over the hump that is the Steelers and Ravens for division supremacy in the future?

Stefanski is a man with a plan, and he’s able to sell his players on buying into the plan. The recent coaching regimes in Cleveland have lacked one or another, or in some cases (Freddie Kitchens) both. He’s got an offensive system that plays to the strengths of the top talents. He and young GM Andrew Berry share the same vision and that’s a big deal too.
Catching the Steelers and Ravens is in the works. They’re not there yet, despite having the same record as Baltimore right now. But this is an ascending team that should finally feel good about the coaching and management staff.

2. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt could both have 1,000 yards this season. How are two elite talents able to co-exist together so well? Can this backfield duo maintain their dominance?

They are different enough as runners to make it work. Chubb is more explosive through the tackles and more powerful. Hunt likes to hit the edges and is more elusive with his fast feet. It helps that the Browns run the ball over 50 percent of the time, and no other backs play when both Chubb and Hunt are healthy.
I see no reason why they can’t coexist. Both have a team-first attitude and they do seem to genuinely like one another. Chubb is about as ego-less as a dominant RB can be. Hunt knows the Browns took a huge chance on him and he’s grateful to his hometown team for the opportunity and that reduces any possible friction too.

3. We answer questions about Carson Wentz daily here in Philadelphia, so I’m going to ask you the same about your quarterback. Is Baker Mayfield the man to lead the Browns going forward?

The honest answer is “probably”. The good Mayfield is more present in 2020 than he was in 2019. His numbers are not as impressive as his play has been, and it seems that most people who watch the Browns on a weekly basis realize that. Fantasy football folks tend to show him a lot more hate than film guys. There is still definitely room for improvement with Mayfield and he’s not the kind of QB who is going to win games by himself for his team. The way this team is designed, he shouldn’t have to very often.

4. Give us one under the radar Browns player to watch this Sunday?

One guy who is playing better than expected and deserves more credit is cornerback Terrance Mitchell. He’s starting only because Greedy Williams is never healthy, but Mitchell has quietly played pretty well. He gives up completions but not big plays despite getting targeted a lot with Denzel Ward–one of the best in the NFL–on the other side.

5. Myles Garrett is a nightmare on the edge for opposing offenses. What makes him so special as a pass rusher?

If you told me Myles Garrett was an action figure and not a football player, I’d believe you and buy one. He’s an unbelievable physical specimen at 6-5/275. But what makes Garrett special is that he’s developed into a great technician as well. He’s got a variety of moves and sets them up well. If tackles overplay his strength component, he’ll blaze around the edge with a freakish cornering ability. If they overset outside, he’s strong enough to physically throw them into the quarterback–ask Joe Burrow. He’s a front-runner for Defensive Player of the Year and is driven to make it happen, too.

6. Who wins and why?

The Browns are getting used to playing in bad weather at home, and their offense is designed to thrive in those adverse conditions. The Eagles don’t really get big plays in the passing game and that’s the way to beat the Browns defense. It looks like the weather will downplay the downfield passing game even more. If Wentz stops turning the ball over, the Eagles have a chance. But I like the growing confidence and urgency from the Browns and the Xs and Os are solidly in their favor in the matchup more than they have been in recent weeks, too. Browns by 10.