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Top Five 1980s Cleveland Browns games to watch while social distancing

By Christopher Markoch

30 Sep 1990: Quarterback Bernie Kosar of the Cleveland Browns passes the ball during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Cleveland Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. The Chiefs won the game, 34-0.
30 Sep 1990: Quarterback Bernie Kosar of the Cleveland Browns passes the ball during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Cleveland Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. The Chiefs won the game, 34-0. /
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PITTSBURGH – NOVEMBER 3: Quarterback Bernie Kosar #19 of the Cleveland Browns looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers behind the blocking of Earnest Byner #44 and Cody Risien #63 at Three Rivers Stadium on November 3, 1985 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH – NOVEMBER 3: Quarterback Bernie Kosar #19 of the Cleveland Browns looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers behind the blocking of Earnest Byner #44 and Cody Risien #63 at Three Rivers Stadium on November 3, 1985 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

September 10, 1989 – Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers

Cleveland 51 – Pittsburgh 0

After the 1988 season, the Cleveland Browns surprisingly parted ways with head coach Marty Schottenheimer. To replace him, owner Art Modell chose Bud Carson, a long-time NFL defensive coordinator and the architect of the original Pittsburgh Steelers “Steel Curtain” defense.

Although Schottenheimer’s dismissal had more to do with personnel decisions, the Browns “bend but don’t break” defense was put under a harsh light after three straight seasons of playoff disappointment and a window that looked to be closing.

Carson promised to bring an aggressive, attacking-style defense to the Browns. And that defense was on display when the Browns traveled to Three Rivers Stadium to open the 1989 season against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Statistics don’t due this game justice, but they help. The Browns sacked Steelers quarterback Bubby Brister six times. The defense also forced six fumbles (recovering five) and three interceptions. Linebacker Clay Matthews started the scoring with a 3-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown. Another Browns linebacker David Grayson would return two additional fumbles for touchdowns. The Browns had a 30-0 lead at halftime.

The win made it four years in a row that the Browns had beaten the Steelers in Pittsburgh. These were not the Pittsburgh Steelers teams of the 70s and early 80s. But prior to Art Modell moving the Browns to Baltimore, the Browns-Steelers rivalry was one of the most intense in all of sports.

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This game also holds special significance because it was the beginning of the last ride. Age would catch up with this team. They would make the AFC Championship for the third time in four years, but this time they would be no match for the Denver Broncos. It would be the end of an era, but what an era it was.

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