For the past 22 seasons, the Cleveland Browns have traveled to play the Pittsburgh Steelers and lost each regular-season matchup played there.
The exception to this dreary statistic is that, back during the 2020 postseason, the Browns beat the Steelers in an AFC wild-card game played in Pittsburgh. (It's worth noting that the game was played in an empty stadium when fans had to stay home because of the COVID pandemic.)
The regular-season record, though, still holds between these two rivals. Some may say that there isn't much of a rivalry anymore, as the Steelers hold a commanding 83-66-1 record dating back to 1950. However, the two teams have split their two-game series in the AFC North over the past three seasons.
Entering Week 8 of this season, the two teams come in with identical 5-2 records. The Browns have been surging this season with three comeback wins, one of which was against the Steelers in a Week 4 battle on Thursday Night Football.
As we approach the game on Sunday, Browns coach Todd Monken has tried to downplay the history of the rivalry — especially Cleveland's history playing in Pittsburgh.
“Well, it has nothing to do with our team," Monken said. "I mean, this year, whether it’s where we’re at record-wise, comparing the past or the history against the Steelers. It’s a divisional game. So, as I always say, what matters is what we do today, how we practice today, how we prepare today for any opponent.
It’s bigger because it’s obviously a divisional opponent. The fastest way to get in the playoffs is win your division. That’s the fastest way to get in the playoffs. I mean, you’re guaranteed in the tournament — and we’re a long ways away from that; that’s not what I’m saying. That’s why the game is what it is, and rivalries are made up of good teams playing each other. And we’re fighting like hell to be a really good team.”
This Browns team is built to do what the previous 22 couldn't in Pittsburgh
Every year, Browns players and coaches like Monken say that their recent bad run of luck in Pittsburgh doesn't really matter, but does it? This isn't one of those streaks that can be ignored.
Monken is smart to try and motivate his players by focusing on the present, but when the game is actually played on Sunday, the focus of the 22-game losing streak will be out there.
Cleveland has a good shot at ending that dreadful streak this time around.
All three phases are coming together for the Browns as the season moves forward. Their offense is getting a boost from rookie wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. Concepcion had a career game this past Sunday when he grabbed eight passes for 129 yards.
The Browns' run game also got going this past week as running backs Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson both had good games. Judkins ran for two touchdowns, and Sampson had multiple explosive plays in what were his first offensive snaps of the season.
The Cleveland defense has continued to be the best unit on the team and will need to step up even more in the upcoming battle with Pittsburgh. Linebackers Carson Schwesinger and Quincy Williams, along with an aggressive defensive line and some feisty cornerbacks like Denzel Ward, will all need to bring their "A" game against the Steelers.
This is all to say that Cleveland does have the talent to beat Pittsburgh on Sunday. The Browns beat the Steelers back in Week 4, so they know they can do it again.
Streaks in sports are tricky. One may see the light at the end of the tunnel, but right before escaping the darkness, the door shuts. This certainly feels like a golden opportunity for the Browns to end the 22-game losing streak, but will they be able to get to that door before it closes on Sunday?
Winning on the road, in a hostile environment against a team that has dominated the series in recent decades can be a tall task. However, if the Browns can follow Monken's approach, his team will have a shot at victory.
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