History of the Pittsburgh Steelers-Cleveland Browns rivalry

A weekly series that examines the history of the Steelers versus their 2020 opponents.

This is the sixth in a 13-part weekly series examing the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers versus their 2020 opponents. 

The Steelers will face the Cleveland Browns Week 6 at Heinz Field. These two clubs know each other so well that history and records are virtually meaningless when they meet.

Let’s take a look at the history between these fierce rivals.

The two teams have 136 head-to-head matchups, with the Pittsburgh Steelers winning 76 games and the Cleveland Browns, 59. They’ve met twice in the postseason, and the Steelers prevailed in both.

Points scored for Pittsburgh total 2812 to Cleveland’s 2616.

They have only tied once — the Steelers opened up their 2018 season with a draw at 21. Pittsburgh is 5-1 in the series’ six overtime games.

For the first decade, the Browns had the Steelers number. From their first matchup on Oct. 7, 1950, to their 21st on Nov. 2, 1960, the Steelers enjoyed only four victories. It took Pittsburgh eight games (including back-to-back shutouts) to finally beat Cleveland.

In the series, the Browns had an eight-game win streak from 1950-1953. The Steelers 12-game win streak started in 2003 with a 13-6 score and ended in 2009 with the same 13-6 score.

They have 10 total shutouts between them — six won by the Steelers and four by the Browns. The biggest blowout of the series came in 1989 when the Browns bludgeoned the Steelers 51-0. Quarterback Bubby Brister threw three interceptions, was sacked six times, and threw for just 84 yards on 22 attempts. Only 21 of their 51 points were offensive touchdowns, and none of them came from Browns QB Bernie Kosar. In the Steelers eight turnovers, three were returned for TDs. The Browns scored three rushing TDs, and the rest was the leg of kicker Matt Bahr who was a perfect 6-for-6 on extra points and 3-for-3 on field goals. It remains the worst loss in franchise history.

The second-biggest blowout is worth noting because it was during the season the Browns returned to Cleveland in 1999. What better team to play than their archrival Steelers? The Browns were fired up to play host to the Steelers Week 1 on Sunday Night Football. Unfortunately for the Browns, they left their excitement in the locker room. The Steelers had 33 first downs to the Browns’ two first downs and Cleveland to 40 yards of total offense. The Steelers won, 43-0, with wide receiver Hines Ward’s first career touchdown closing out the game.

The biggest nailbiter in the modern era was the 2003 Wild Card game, in which Pittsburgh had to score 22 points in the fourth quarter to win by a field goal, 36-33.

During quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s tenure, the Steelers have amassed a 25-3-1 record versus the Browns. Cleveland has not won at Heinz Field since 2003.

The Browns have been consistently inconsistent in recent history, and the rivalry fell flat for a while. On Nov. 14, 2019, however, it was fully restored. Though there were a few occasions where they came close, the Browns hadn’t beat Pittsburgh in five years. Quarterback Mason Rudolph, who was riding a three-game win streak, was picked off four times and sacked just as many. The Steelers laid a goose egg in the first two quarters, and the Browns were up by two scores when Rudolph threw his first and only TD to running back Jaylen Samuels. Cleveland scored again in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach.

With eight seconds remaining in Cleveland’s 21-17 victory, Browns defensive end Myles Garrett sacked Rudolph. Rudolph took offense, and a fight ensued in which Garrett tore off Rudolph’s helmet. Rudolph charged Garrett, and Garrett proceeded to slam Rudolph over the head with the QB’s own helmet. Garrett was suspended indefinitely, and Rudolph was fined $50,000.

Their last matchup, in which Rudolph did not play, seemed mild-mannered in comparison.

2020 is a new season, new coach for the Browns. Will Kevin Stefanski have what it takes to lead his team to the Browns’ first victory in 17 years at Heinz Field? We’ll find out in 123 days.

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