The Cleveland Browns do not exactly strike fear into the hearts of NFL teams right now. However, their 2-1 start has provided evidence that overlooking them could be costly. After getting demolished by Jacksonville in Week 1, Cleveland responded with wins over Tampa Bay and Carolina.

That is where three-time Super Bowl champion Je’Rod Cherry comes in. Although Cherry never played for the Browns, he now resides in Cleveland and has become a familiar voice around the team as a radio talk show host and analyst. He believes some opponents still view Cleveland as an easy win, despite what the Browns have shown this season.

“Teams still see us on that schedule as a gimme game and they shouldn't because as you said now granted the Jacksonville Jaguars demolished us but what we've done against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers merits some semblance of respect.”

Cherry’s point is difficult to ignore. Cleveland beat Tampa Bay 23-19 before surviving Carolina 21-18, showing it can find ways to win close games. The Browns may not have the same fear factor as the NFL’s elite teams, but their early results suggest opponents should prepare accordingly.

The Steelers Will Provide a Real Test for Cleveland

Now, Cleveland gets perhaps its biggest test yet. The Browns host the 2-1 Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night, with the winner moving into first place in the AFC North.

Pittsburgh brings a dangerous defense led by T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. The Steelers also have Jaylen Warren providing another challenge for a Browns defense that must remain disciplined.

For Cherry, this is exactly the type of matchup where Cleveland can change perceptions. The Browns may still be viewed as an easy opponent by some, but another divisional victory would make that assumption much harder to defend.

Written by

Joseph Nithin