The Pittsburgh Steelers have dominated the Cleveland Browns for the franchise's entire existence. Contrary to all the Cleveland fans who would say differently, the current iteration of the Browns started playing football in 1999. Cleveland was granted an expansion franchise in 1999 and gained access to the Baltimore Ravens franchise history as their own. Initially, the Browns rejoined the AFC Central, went 3-6 against the Steelers, and lost a memorable playoff game to Tommy Maddox in the final meeting of the two teams as AFC Central rivals.
NFL.com
Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger avoids oncoming Cleveland Browns pass rusher to attempt a pass during the 2014 home opener.
The two teams joined the AFC North in 2003. Since the division formed, the Browns are 6-33-1 against the Steelers. Cleveland won the only playoff game in their history after the 2020 season in one of the most embarrassing losses in the Mike Tomlin era. The Browns have chalked up the last two decades of failure against the Steelers to Ben Roethlisberger’s presence in Pittsburgh. They conveniently forget that Kenny Pickett has two wins in two tries against Deshaun Watson.
The Browns are better in 2023. They are riding a good defense. The Browns have also benefitted from bad officiating against the San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts. On 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland during The Ken Carman Show With Anthony Lima, Carman shared that Browns fans are putting all their chips on beating Pittsburgh and staking a claim for the top of the AFC North.
“This is during our segment,” Carman shared a fan reaction. “Ken, it's not about making the playoffs. It’s about burying the Steelers so they don’t. Sunday is a must-win. All Caps MUST WIN.”
Cleveland is already starting the process of building this game up into the Super Bowl. The Browns could easily be 3-6 instead of 6-3, but Carman and the legions of delusional Browns fans are not content with being a viable playoff team. It won’t mean anything to them if the black and gold march into Cleveland and defeat them.
Steelers Dominant Edge Rushers TJ Watt And Alex Highsmith Are The "Best Duo In The League"
In the 2023 season's second game, the Steelers intercepted Deshaun Watson's first pass attempt, and Alex Highsmith returned it for a touchdown. Pittsburgh held the Browns' offense in check most of the game and scored twice on defense. The Pittsburgh offense barely did enough to put the Steelers' defense in position to win the game. It is a formula that both teams have used to snatch improbable victories during 2023.
“Our priorities are a little crooked here,” Carman said trying to adjust his course. “It’s about making the playoffs. You win every single game you possibly can. I’m not trying to justify losing on Sunday. I will not put that sentence into my mouth. At this point, if the Browns don’t make the playoffs, it’s a massive disappointment.”
Browns hype is getting a little carried away, as usual. Cleveland is 6-3, and if the season ended today, they would be in the playoffs. However, they are third in the AFC North. Stopping the Baltimore Ravens' winning streak was an excellent victory, but they split the season series with a division rival. It is hardly a reason to plan a parade. The Ravens' other loss in the AFC North is to the second-place Pittsburgh Steelers.
ESPN.com
Steelers' George Pickens secures 41-yard touchdown and the winning score against the Baltimore Ravens.
“I do respect their organization,” Carman continued. “If neither of us make the playoffs, I’m not going to be happy if the Steelers don’t make the playoffs. I want to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, too. I hate the Steelers. I can’t stand that the fans live right there among us. I’ve been down this road a million times over, but I’m not going to cut off my nose to spite my face. I also know if we lose that game on Sunday, some things aren’t going to go well for us. Obviously, on Monday, I’m going to be very sick to my stomach.”
Carman's broadcast partner was less optimistic about the Browns' chances on Sunday against the Steelers. Lima's tone was dismissive of Pittsburgh as a viable contender in the AFC. He seemed resigned to the fact that a Browns' loss to the Steelers would not mean nearly as much as the road victory over the Ravens in Week 10.
"I'm not going to discount the Ravens' win on the road. Come from behind, I'm not going to discount it just because they go and lose to the Steelers," Lima stated. "I'm just not going to do it. I won't be happy either. We have to see if they can make amends for that unforgettable loss early in the season. You outplayed Pittsburgh every which way you could and still lost that game."
The Steelers' running game has just started to click, and Dan Moore Jr. plays his best football against Myles Garrett. Broderick Jones will be able to demonstrate just how much more physical the Steelers offensive line is when he plays. Pickett will have to make a few more plays, like the 71-yard strike to George Pickens in Week 2, but anything is possible with Matt Canada on the sideline.
steelers.com
Steelers' George Pickens celebrates a 71-yard touchdown against division rival Cleveland Browns in Week 2.
Losing to the Steelers is so engrained into Cleveland culture that the broadcasters are preparing fans for the worst. The Browns measure their success against the Steelers and seem resigned that the division is out of reach. Try as they might to downplay it, a home loss to Pittsburgh could very well send the Browns spiraling to the basement of the AFC North.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Are you surprised that the Browns broadcasters seem to be preparing the fan base for a defeat? Please comment below or on my Twitter/X: @thebubbasq.
#SteelerNation
