The Pittsburgh Steelers have consistently been one of the NFL’s top teams for years, posting a non-losing record in 22 straight seasons and counting. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns have been historically inept, posting just three winning seasons during the same span.
The Steelers should dominate the Browns. And yet, that hasn’t been the case at all recently.
Cleveland beat Pittsburgh again on Sunday, spoiling the Steelers’ chance to clinch the AFC North with a 13-6 upset. Pittsburgh looked completely helpless on offense for much of the game, failing to score a touchdown and getting shut out during the second half.
It wasn’t a fluke, either, as the Browns are now 6-1-1 against the Steelers in their last eight meetings in Cleveland. Pittsburgh has lost its last four trips there.
Even worse, the Steelers haven’t won in Cleveland without Ben Roethlisberger since the 2003 season.
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Divisional games are often close and tend to produce upsets, but there’s no excuse. Pittsburgh needs to do a better job taking care of business against the Browns, especially this late in the season when Cleveland has a rookie QB under center and nothing to play for.
The Steelers’ loss this week could come back to haunt them if they lose to the Baltimore Ravens in their season finale, which would cost them the division and a playoff spot. Pittsburgh could have clinched a postseason berth with a win in Cleveland, which should have been relatively easy. Instead, the Steelers laid an egg and now face a win-or-go-home scenario.
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If they lose, they’ll have no one to blame but themselves.
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Featured image via Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images