Browns tie unwanted NFL record with another loss to Steelers in Pittsburgh

Sunday’s result offered little relief for the Browns. Pittsburgh’s defense forced turnovers on Cleveland’s opening drives and consistently pressured quarterback Deshaun Watson, who was sacked eight times. The Steelers also made the most of their opportunities on offense, with Jaylen Warren rushing for 143 yards and a touchdown. Rico Dowdle added a rushing touchdown as Pittsburgh built a 27-6 lead.

The loss was especially damaging because the teams entered the matchup with identical 5-2 records and were competing near the top of the AFC North. Pittsburgh improved to 6-2, taking sole possession of first place in the division, while Cleveland fell to 5-3. The Steelers’ win therefore carried significance beyond the historic streak, giving them an advantage in the divisional race.

There is one important distinction in Cleveland’s history at Pittsburgh: the Browns did win a playoff game there after the 2020 season, defeating the Steelers 48-37 in an AFC wild-card matchup. That result does not count toward the regular-season streak. Cleveland’s last regular-season victory at Pittsburgh remains the 33-13 win on Oct. 5, 2003.

The Browns now share a record they will be desperate to break. Ending the streak will require a regular-season victory in Pittsburgh, a task that has eluded Cleveland through coaching changes, roster rebuilds and multiple seasons of trying to establish itself in the AFC North.