Paulson wrestled a veteran's match here and deserved to win. Still, I don't think his style will get it done at the Worlds. You can't out Euro the Europeans. He'll lose in the first round and be done. In the long run, Howe's style will be the one that brings home a medal. If you look at recent history in freestyle, it's the Americans with go-to offense who have brought home medals. Cejudo gave up a lot of points, but he attacked relentlessly. Same with Jake Herbert. A guy like Paulson might gut out a few matches and finish 5th the way Doug Schwab did a few years ago. But to finish higher than that you've got to go for it more. That's why Metcalf could go far if he makes it out of the first round. Howe will be back. He's the future at this weight, he just needs more experience against tactics like Paulson's.
