Fans react to Steelers eliminating Browns from playoff contention

The Steelers eliminated the Browns from playoff contention, sparking reactions from fans celebrating Cleveland’s 2024 downfall.

Sorry, Cleveland, but the Browns have officially been eliminated from the 2024 playoff picture, all thanks to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

This bitter rivalry in 2024 had nothing short of a storybook ending for the Black and Gold, and a nightmarish continuation of mediocrity for the Cleveland Browns.

Despite spending an enormous payroll in 2024, “Cleveland sucks” chants rang out throughout the Week 14 contest, ultimately foreshadowing the Browns’ demise as the team dropped to 3-10 on the season.

Browns DE Myles Garrett and CB Greg Newsome II had plenty to say following their team’s Week 12 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, it is the Steel City that got the last laugh.

With Browns fans making arrangements to watch other NFL teams compete in the playoffs come January, Steelers fans were having a blast on social media with the news. Here are some of the best reactions from Steelers fans to the Cleveland Browns being eliminated from the 2024 playoff picture.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers WR George Pickens dismisses Browns CB Greg Newsome II with savage response

George Pickens downplays Greg Newsome’s presence entirely, showing maturity and taking a shot, ahead of the Steelers-Browns Week 14 game.

Head Coach Mike Tomlin has prepared WR George Pickens well for the Cleveland Browns’ trash-talking strategy. After a 2024 season filled with immature antics and emotional outbursts from Pickens, both on and off the field, it’s no secret that every NFL team facing the Pittsburgh Steelers will focus on trying to get the wide receiver to snap.

Browns CB Greg Newsome II was involved in Pickens’ biggest altercation of the season, with the two clashing in a brawl following the Steelers’ Week 12 loss. However, Newsome has continued his trash talk of the Steelers receiver ahead of their Week 14 rematch.

Pickens, speaking to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, showcased newfound maturity by dismissing the noise and offering a subtle jab at Newsome, stating, “I don’t even know who that is.”

It’s admirable for Pickens to adopt this attitude pre-game, but all eyes will be on the Steelers wide receiver to see if he can maintain his composure during Week 14’s contest against the Cleveland Browns. Fans can witness the potential drama unfold on December 8 at 1:00 PM EST.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Browns CB Greg Newsome II takes shots at Steelers WR George Pickens ahead of Week 14 rematch

Greg Newsome II calls out George Pickens for the receiver’s selfish play ahead of the Steelers-Browns Week 14 matchup.

The bad blood between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns in Week 14 appears to be starting early, as Browns CB Greg Newsome II held nothing back when discussing his potential matchup with Steelers WR George Pickens.

Week 14 will mark the second meeting between Newsome and Pickens, with their first WR-CB matchup being marred by the chaotic fight that followed the Steelers’ failed Hail Mary attempt in Week 12.

Newsome claimed that Pickens is so focused on himself that he’s willing to jeopardize the Steelers. He argued that anyone who disagrees need only look at the wide receiver’s recent penalties caused by his immature outbursts.

Pickens will need to keep his composure in Week 14’s matchup against the Browns. With his recent in-game implosions and immature antics, teams are likely to focus on pushing him to snap. Fans can watch all the drama and action unfold when the Steelers take on the Browns on December 8 at 1:00 PM EST.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Is another George Pickens meltdown inevitable vs Browns in Week 14?

George Pickens must keep his composure in Week 14 against Greg Newsome to avoid costly mistakes that could hurt the Steelers.

Back in Week 12, the Cleveland Browns not only escaped with a seemingly impossible win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but their CB Greg Newsome II also showed the rest of the NFL how to trigger WR George Pickens’ weekly implosion.

As many fans of the Black and Gold are well aware, the Pickens-Newsome altercation occurred after the Steelers’ failed Hail Mary attempt to close out the game, leading to a physical confrontation before the two were separated.

Since that encounter, the two players have had almost opposite Week 13 performances. While Pickens scored a touchdown against the Bengals in last week’s contest, his immature antics cost the Steelers again with two 15-yard penalties—one for taunting and another for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Newsome, on the other hand, delivered one of his best performances of the season against the Broncos. He allowed only one completion for seven yards on three targets and recorded an interception against QB Bo Nix.

Can Pickens learn from his lapse in judgment at the end of Week 12’s contest? Here’s hoping HC Mike Tomlin can rein in his young WR during the Week 14 matchup against the Cleveland Browns and Newsome.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Browns force massive turnover in first half vs. Broncos

The Browns picked off the rookie quarterback early on!

The Cleveland Browns have created a much-needed turnover against the Denver Broncos as cornerback Greg Newsome II comes away with a huge interception.

It’s been a hot start for Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix on Monday Night Football after he started the game with a couple of sharp passes. Early in the second quarter, Browns star cornerback Denzel Ward could force one of these sharp throws into the air on a deflection, eventually being caught by Newsome II. This was uncharacteristic for the Browns’ secondary as they usually do not secure interceptions early in the game.

The Browns secondary will have to continue forcing Nix to throw in these tight windows. After a few blown coverages early in the Broncos’ first drive, they have seemed to tighten down on their man and zone coverage. The passing game is the heart of the Broncos’ offense and will continue to be a focal point in their secondary and overall defensive scheme.

We’ll see if the Browns secondary can continue to play to their potential.

Cleveland photographer brings new life to George Pickens-Greg Newsome altercation

Cleveland.com’s photographer Joshua Gunter provided a close-up look at the altercation between George Pickens and Greg Newsome in Week 12.

For Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens, when it rains, it pours. Much criticism and blame have been placed on the wide receiver—not only for his lack of effort on the final Hail Mary pass from QB Russell Wilson but also for a potential NFL investigation into his fight with Cleveland Browns CB Greg Newsome II.

Just as news surrounding the situation began to die down, an interesting and unique perspective from Cleveland.com sideline photographer Joshua Gunter surfaced, offering an up-close and personal look at the altercation.

While Gunter’s ability to continue taking photos after being caught in the skirmish is admirable, the truly remarkable takeaway is his close-up compilation of what took place between Pickens and Newsome:

The video appears to showcase Pickens’ innocence in the altercation’s aftermath, suggesting that Newsome was holding his helmet down while Pickens was trying to free himself. While Newsome claimed Pickens was a “fake tough guy,” it seems the only “fake” aspect of this altercation was Newsome’s complete blame of Pickens.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Browns CB takes shots at George Pickens following post-game antics

Browns CB Greg Newsome II had choice words for George Pickens following their physical altercation in Week 12.

Fans of the Steel City, while upset that the Pittsburgh Steelers were ultimately defeated in Week 12’s Thursday Night Football matchup, were almost treated to a second contest following the game: a potentially major physical altercation between Steelers WR George Pickens and Browns CB Greg Newsome II.

Following the failed Hail Mary attempt that sealed the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defeat, Pickens showcased his best MMA impression, trying to take Newsome down. During the skirmish, Pickens was seen ripping at Newsome’s face mask and attempting to ram him into the stands before they were restrained by security.

After the Week 12 contest, Newsome spoke to reporters about Pickens: “Fake tough guy. Yeah, he does a lot of that. The antics and stuff. He didn’t even go up for the ball, he was just tryna do WrestleMania with me the whole time.” Newsome continued his commentary on social media.

Pickens is no stranger to these types of conflicts or immature outbursts, but fans have to wonder how much longer Head Coach Mike Tomlin will tolerate these less-than-ideal distractions.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Greg Newsome II takes shot at George Pickens following end-of-game scuffle

After the Browns beat the Steelers, George Pickens went after Greg Newsome II, and the cornerback made sure to make his thoughts known

The Cleveland Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the game ended in fireworks as wide receiver George Pickens locked up with cornerback Greg Newsome II in the back of the end zone on the final play of the game.

With the Steelers throwing a hail mary as time expired with the Browns on top late, Pickens seemed more interested in the extracurriculars with Newsome than on attempting to make the catch and win the game. Far away from the play, Pickens can be seen throwing Newsome out of the back of the endzone.

Pickens would then go on to get into a scuffle with a fan along the back wall as well. The Browns cornerback let Pickens know just what he thinks of him as well after the game on social media:

The Browns and Steelers play again in just two short weeks, and it is sure to be a physical showdown once again.

Browns cornerback named under-the-radar trade candidate

ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler names Greg Newsome II as an under-the-radar trade candidate.

With the trade deadline nearing, the Cleveland Browns appear open to moving cornerback Greg Newsome II.

Defensive end Za’Darius Smith has been the popular name thrown around as a trade candidate for the Browns, but it is Newsome that was mentioned by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Identifying under-the-radar trade candidates, the ESPN insider had this to say:

“After asking around the league, the sense is that Cleveland is open for business with several players, and Newsome — with first-round traits and 42 career starts — should draw interest.”

Fowler noted that Newsome’s already picked up fifth-year option of over $13 million could be a potential hang-up in trade talks. Another hang-up from the Browns’ side of things is the concussion history of Denzel Ward.

Back in the protocol, Ward has suffered his second concussion of the season and sixth of his career. If the Browns were to deal Newsome, their cornerback room suddenly becomes extremely thin.

The trade deadline is on Tuesday, November 5 at 4 PM. Could we see Newsome dealt by then?

Injuries to key DBs highlight Ravens’ struggles with pass defense in loss to Browns

The Ravens entered this game dead last in the league in pass defense, so the Browns were well aware they could exploit the secondary.

Those who call the NFL a league of parity (not “parody,” OMG! That common malapropism drives me insane) could certainly point to today’s 29-24 win by the Cleveland Browns over the Baltimore Ravens.

Worst beat first in the AFC North division as Baltimore’s five-game win streak ended, as did Cleveland’s five-game losing skid.

Jameis Winston, who many football pundits have declared “washed” for some time, finished 27 of 41 passing for 334 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions while leading the Browns’ offense to heights that had not been seen under their franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson this season.

The Ravens entered this game dead last in the league in pass defense, so the Browns were well aware the secondary was a position group that could potentially be exploited.

And things worsened for Baltimore even before a single pass was thrown, as Nate Wiggins (illness), Marlon Humphrey (ankle), and T.J. Tampa (IR) were all ruled out.

More change was still to come in the defensive backs position group, as Marcus Williams was benched for being largely ineffective this season. The Ravens’ pass defense has been a persistent problem this year, but it’s not as bad as it may seem.

Baltimore is so stout against the run that opponents consistently find themselves having to rely on their passing attacks heavily. Also, the Ravens entered the day in first place, with a 5-2 record, and teams with winning records tend to find themselves ahead, and even well ahead, most of the time.

And what do you do when you’re behind, often well behind?  You pretty much have to pass.

So, while today was undoubtedly a shocking surprise defeat, all is not lost.