The AFC North-leading Steelers try to catch up with the Browns | National

The Browns stunned the Pittsburgh Steelers last month when a snowstorm severely impacted the scene in Cleveland. When the teams reunite 17 days later, the elements will be more conducive to playing football as the Browns visit the Steelers in an AFC North matchup on Sunday. The Browns upset Pittsburgh in the snow, blowing a 12-point lead in the fourth quarter and trailing 19-18 before pulling out a 24-19 win in the final minute. However, the odds of a win in Cleveland are not good, as the Browns lost 20 straight road games in Pittsburgh during the regular season. Cleveland recorded a win in an AFC Wild Card playoff game at Pittsburgh following the 2020 season. However, the Browns’ last triumph in the regular season came on October 5, 2003, when Tim Couch (Browns) and Tommy Maddox (Steelers) were the starting quarterbacks and Cleveland won 33-13. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski isn’t worried about the long dry spell. “We’re looking forward to the challenge,” said Stefanski. “That’s the fun of this business: going on the road and trying to get a win.” Cleveland (3-9) is far from the AFC playoff picture, while Pittsburgh (9-3) is in the North leads the Baltimore Ravens by 1/12 games. The stumble in the snow was the Steelers’ only loss in their last seven games. Pittsburgh bounced back last week with a 44-38 shootout victory over the host Cincinnati Bengals. The Steelers totaled 520 yards in the wild contest, but the guy who enjoyed it the least was Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin. The defensive-minded coach didn’t like that his team was involved in a game where 82 points were scored. “I don’t know if I ever feel comfortable planning a shootout,” Tomlin said. “It’s just my background and my expertise. To be completely honest, I respect offenses and talented players and acknowledge when we face big challenges, but that doesn’t mean I will ever be comfortable in them.” “Based on my professional background in defense, I expect that we slow these things down and minimize some of it. On the rare occasions we don’t, I’m grateful we have an offense capable of accomplishing it.” Pittsburgh quarterback Russell Wilson threw three touchdowns and had a game-best 414 passing yards against Cincinnati. “It gives us a lot of momentum and everything else, but we have to use it for good,” Wilson said of the offensive performance. “Cleveland played better on offense with James Winston at quarterback than with Deshaun Watson (Achilles) injured. The Browns have scored 24 or more points in three of Winston’s five games as a starter. Watson’s highest output was 18. Winston set a franchise record with 497 passing yards in a 41-32 road loss to the Denver Broncos on Monday. He passed for four touchdowns but also threw three interceptions – two of which were returned for touchdowns. “It’s about acting when your team needs you most,” Winston said. “I’m proud of it and I’m going to keep working, I’m going to fix it. I’ll apologize to the boys, but I’m still fine.” From a mental point of view nothing will change, but physically from a perspective I will continue to work. I’ll be better, especially in the fourth quarter when you have to be the best.” Browns receiver Jerry Jeudy tormented the Broncos – his former team – with career highs of nine catches and 235 yards. Star defensive end was Myles Garrett Three sacks in the recent win over Pittsburgh and 1.5 per 100 in his career. Steelers star TJ Watt (9.5 sacks) will be joined by fellow linebacker Alex Highsmith (ankle), who was left after missing three games on Wednesday, as were receivers Calvin Austin III (concussion) and Jamari Thrash (shoulder). Wednesday’s practice included offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee), defensive tackle Sam Kamara (concussion) and safety Juan Thornhill (calf) – Field Level Media