The Pittsburgh Steelers have a historic and hateful rivalry with each of the three other teams in the AFC North. One of the most notorious rivalries in the history of the NFL would be between the Steelers and the Cleveland Browns. With a history marked by memorable matchups, dramatic moments, and passionate fan bases, this rivalry withholds some of the most hateful football that you will ever see on a football field. Current Browns tight end David Njoku reflected on the hatred that runs through this rivalry.
The rivalry had seemed lost for over a decade as the Steelers, who were led by legendary quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, dominated Cleveland year in and year out. Including the playoffs, of course, Roethlisberger had an all-time record of 26-3-1 versus Cleveland. The tables had seemed to have finally turned once the Browns defeated the Steelers in 2019 during the famous Myles Garrett and Mason Rudolph saga. Njoku, drafted by the Browns in 2017, has seen the ups and downs in this rivalry.
From being a part of a 0-16 Browns team (2017-18) to being the Browns team that knocked the Steelers out of the playoffs (2020-21), Njoku has been through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. It's easy for members of the AFC North to resent the Steelers, after all, they are one of the most successful organizations of all-time. Recently on the QB Unplugged podcast with teammate and quarterback for the Browns, Deshaun Watson, Njoku revealed his most hated team in their division.
"I love playing the Ravens the most. For some reason, I just love playing the Ravens. That game is so electric. The most hated I think? The Steelers. I just can't stand them."
The Steelers had defeated the Browns earlier last season during Week 2, and the Browns bounced back and claimed victory against Pittsburgh later on in Week 11. In an AFC North division recently where every team has a realistic shot at making the playoffs, that will only bring more urgency and energy into the divisional games. Both the Steelers and the Browns reached the playoffs this past season, both lost in the first round, and both will look to take a step further next season.
How Do The Steelers Match Up With Cleveland In 2024?
The Steelers are looking to dominate this rivalry as they once did, but how can they do that? After the Browns have seemingly had the Steelers' number quite often as of late, the Steelers need to make adjustments. Quarterback play in the Steel City must improve moving forward, starting in 2024.
Former Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett nearly lost his job as the starter after their most recent performance against Cleveland, which resulted in an embarrassing loss to Browns' backup quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Pickett has since been traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Steelers picked up Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, who are both massive upgrades to the QB room.
The other most significant factor in the Steelers' poor play recently on offense would point to former offensive coordinator, Matt Canada. Pittsburgh resolved that problem too, bringing in a proven Arthur Smith, who has led an offense to an AFC Championship appearance back with the Tennessee Titans.
After fixing the two biggest problems within the organization, the Steelers are in good shape heading into the new season. It's not likely that the Steelers would have lost the games they have been losing had they had Wilson or Fields along with Smith. The Steelers are in a great spot not only to dominate this rivalry again, but to take a step closer to finally winning another playoff game.
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