The Steelers and Browns share a history, but is it a true NFL rivalry? A rivalry implies a back-and-forth exchange of victories, especially on the road, almost annually. Historically, this hasn’t been the case. While Cleveland dominated in the ’50s and ’60s, and again in the late ’80s, culminating in a memorable 51-0 victory, the Steelers have generally held the upper hand. Even in ’94 and ’02, when both teams reached the playoffs, the Steelers triumphed.
Navigating Week 8 of the 2023 NFL Season: Matchup Insights and Predictions
Shifting Rivalries
During Cleveland’s brief hiatus, the Steelers developed a rivalry with the Jaguars. Upon the Browns’ return, and the Jaguars’ decline, the Ravens (essentially the old Browns) emerged as the Steelers’ primary rival. One could argue that if the Browns hadn’t relocated, the Steelers-Browns rivalry could have flourished over the past two decades.
Moments of Contention
Beyond the periods of clear dominance, there have been moments of genuine competition. Pre-Noll, few instances stand out, although the 1963 season saw some notable clashes. After the infamous 51-0 defeat, the Steelers retaliated with a 17-7 win in Cleveland five weeks later. Both teams made the playoffs that year, narrowly missing a potential AFCC showdown.
In 1980, despite missing the playoffs, the Steelers reignited divisional suspense with a Week 11 home win against the playoff-bound Browns, avenging an earlier loss.
The 1976 season provides another intriguing chapter. Forrest Gregg, then Browns’ head coach, led Cleveland to victory over the two-time defending champion Steelers in Week 5, avenging a Week 2 loss. While the Browns ultimately missed the playoffs, they kept pace with the Steelers throughout their 9-0 late-season surge.
A Modern Perspective
The 2020 season presented an interesting dynamic, with the 4-0 Steelers facing the 4-1 Browns. This marked the Steelers’ first 4-0 start since 1980, highlighting the rarity of such occasions. The potential for playoff implications in their season finale added further intrigue.
Defining a Rivalry
Ultimately, the Steelers-Browns matchup lacks the consistent back-and-forth nature of a true rivalry. While periods of competitive balance have existed, and certain games hold historical significance, the Steelers’ overall dominance diminishes the rivalry narrative. The Ravens have arguably taken over as the Steelers’ main rival, leaving the Browns matchup as a significant, yet not truly defining, contest in the AFC North.
