Browns vs Steelers: The Rivalry Returns

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CLEVELAND- The Browns and Steelers have another showdown tommorow with a playoff seed as incentive to win. Cleveland currently has the number seven seed while Pittsburgh is only half of a game behind.

This game is more than just a simple matter of vying for a playoff spot. These teams hate each other and the fans on both sides are a part of that. Let’s not forget JuJu Smith-Schuster’s comments last year before these teams played the AFC Wild Card Game. Smith-Schuster said “Same old Browns” and “Nameless grey faces”.

Although one could interpret that as nothing more than Smith-Schuster simply doing part of his job and playing the mental game, some Cleveland fans likely thought the comments were flat out disrespectful. However, this is one of the most intense, perhaps the most intense, rivalry in the entire NFL. Perhaps the Washington Football Team and Dallas Cowboys fans would disagree and even laugh at the very thought of the Browns and Steelers having the more intense rivalry.

This game is also big for Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield. Mayfield is in a key position to cement his role as the obvious choice for franchise quarterback. The problem is Mayfield is still playing with a torn labrum. Some fans and reporters may question the decision to play despite the extremely painful injury which could lead to further damage but Mayfield has the physical and mental toughness to keep playing. He is the embodiment of the image and culture of Cleveland. There is little doubt this decision carries tremendous risk.

On the flip side, this is a must win game for the Steelers. Most of the pre-season coverage regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers was anything other than friendly. Pittsburgh doesn’t have their usual dominant offensive line anymore and that’s the biggest reason why Pittsburgh wasn’t considered a playoff contender as the team entered the season. Adding to the offensive line woes is the obvious truth that Ben Rothlisberger “Big Ben”, is starting to regress and nears the end of his career barring a significant change in circumstances. Pittsburgh can be back in the driver’s seat in terms of a possible playoff appearance.

What will happen this time around? The Steelers had the edge for the better part of the last 22 years since the Browns returned to the NFL in 1999 after a brief absence after Art Modell relocated the franchise in favor of starting the Baltimore Ravens. Last year, Cleveland’s fortunes changed against Pittsburgh after the team won one of the two regular season games and then the icing on the cake winning the Wild Card against them. There is no doubt, this loss weighs heavily on the minds of the Steelers players. This is a revenge game for Pittsburgh. That doesn’t mean Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin will use this as bulletin board material. Tomlin is the ultimate professional and will just say it’s an important game. Tomlin will push the idea of this being a business trip. The Steelers used to success and have no need for calling it a revenge game.

Prediction

Mayfield could be ice cold to start the game so expect a lot of big runs from Cleveland early on. Pittsburgh defense is still hitting on all cylinders so don’t expect Mayfield to come out firing right away. He will need to ease onto rhythm. Although Pittsburgh’s defense could be the key to victory, the concern has to be that Cleveland’s defense is equally as impressive. The Steelers offensive line and Roethlisberger’s regression as a quarterback who can extend plays is going to be an issue. Pittsburgh running back Najee Harris, Receiver Chase Claypool and receiver James Washington will keep the Steelers in the game for the first half but it will only last so long.

Browns 31 Steelers 17.

Other top games this week

Indianapolis Colts (3-4) Vs. Tennessee Titans (5-2)