49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan calls matchup with Browns "Biggest Challenge Yet"

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan may not have fond memories of his one year with the Cleveland Browns, but has nothing but respect for his former employer's team ahead of their matchup this weekend.

“This game, to me, is the biggest challenge we’ve had so far,” Shanahan said at a press conference this week. “I thought that was going to be Dallas, too, going into it. But you look at this, and [the Browns] defensive numbers just jump out. You see very much that they’re number one or two in everything. Red zone is the only thing they’re not, but that’s only because they’ve had eight plays there all year. But everything else is top-notch.”

The high praise of the Browns defense has certainly been earned. Through its first four contests, Cleveland leads the league in total yards per game allowed (196.8), passing yards allowed per game (125) and third down conversion percentage allowed (22.6%). They're also top five in rushing yards yards allowed per game (71.8) and points allowed per game (15).

However, Shanahan was making these comments prior to knowing, according to a recent report, that quarterback Deshaun Watson will not play on Sunday. Cleveland will also be down at least two other veterans in guard Joel Bitonio and tight end David Njoku, according to a separate report.

Report: In Addition To Deshaun Watson, Browns Expected To Be Without Two Other Veterans In Week Six

Not that Shanahan would have provided any fodder for the Browns to use as motivation even with that context. That said, the absence of so many key veteran players on the offensive side of the ball, certainly changes the outlook for the game, in favor of San Francisco.

The line via the SI Sportsbook is up to -9.5 for the 49ers, up from -3 earlier in the week.