Chris Hubbard is used to winning when the Browns travel to Pittsburgh, but that's because he's used to playing for the home team.
Hubbard played his first four years in Pittsburgh before signing with the Browns this offseason, losing just one game to the Browns in that span, zero at Heinz Field. This Sunday, he'll return to his former home in enemy colors.
"I was over there so long, they were pretty much family," Hubbard said. "Being on the other side now, I know what to expect from Pittsburgh. 'Cause I've been there."
For the last 15 years, the Steelers have known what to expect when Cleveland comes to town, too. The Browns haven't won a game in Pittsburgh since 2003, when Hubbard was 12 years old.
But a lot has changed since then, or even since last year. The Browns overhauled their roster, coercing Hubbard to switch allegiances in the process.
"It's fun," Hubbard said of playing for the rivalry's underdog. "They don't know what to expect. We're a different team. We're a different unit."
Hubbard hopes to use his familiarity to help his current teammates beat his former ones. He's practiced against the Steelers' pass rush and stood in their huddles. He knows how Ben Roethlisberger and Mike Tomlin think. Now his orange-and-brown clad teammates do, too.
"I always tell (my teammates) different nuggets and things that they can work on," Hubbard said. "Being around (the Steelers) for so long, you just know them personally – what works for them and what does not work for them."
What works for all AFC North teams is physicality. Strength of will carries more importance during these divisional matchups. These games are violent; players get hurt. So how does Hubbard feel about punishing his former family members?
"Man, that's what football is about," Hubbard said. "You gotta expect the worst."
