Great receivers can also make a good quarterback look elite. If Higgins is healthy and able to play, they will make Browning look better than he is. See Tua before and after Tyreek Hill. It also helps to have a smart quarterback who can read defenses, we shall see what Browning is capable of, especially against the Steelers and later the Browns who know this team inside out. I will never underestimate what Chase, Higgins, Boyd, Uzomah, Hurst, Perine, have contributes to Burrow’s success.

From what I saw Thursday, it looked encouraging, but I fear Taylor and Callahan will clamp down on what they allow him to do and that may actually hurt his chances to succeed. I imagine the play-calling will be dumbed down significantly instead of allowing him some freedom to create and use his mobility. Running against the Steelers is tough to start with, especially with Cam Heyward back, now they’re going to stack the box and challenge Browning to beat them downfield. The other issue is Chase (and others) may also get frustrated as the season goes on knowing it’s a lost cause. Win a game or two, and everyone will rally around him. Lose a game or two, it’s all over as everyone starts to think about their own health and their next contract, this is why the Steelers game is so crucial.