The Pittsburgh Steelers have not been swept by the Cleveland Browns in a season series since 1988. The 32-season streak is the longest such streak in NFL history for division opponents, according to Dale Lolley of Steelers.com. The Browns were not around from 1996-1998 after owner Art Modell moved the franchise to Baltimore, so that’s why it’s 32 years instead of 35.
After falling to the Browns on Thursday Night Football two weeks ago, the streak will be on the line for the Steelers in the rematch at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday.
The odds are on in the Steelers favor, as they opened as 6.5-point favorites against the Browns for Sunday’s rematch, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The Browns have also lost the past 20 regular-season games in Pittsburgh.
Jameis Winston has regained his gunslinger form with throwing for 1,680 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions over the past five weeks. Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy also recorded a whopping 235 yards receiving in the Browns’ 41-32 loss to the Denver Broncos on Monday night. Overall, the Browns racked up 522 yards offense against Denver.
The Steelers defense is well-aware of what the Browns offense is capable of.
“They put up over 500 yards just a couple days ago, so they’re definitely humming at the right levels. They have playmakers at every level,” Steelers All-Pro defensive tackle Cam Heyward said. “So we have to be on our P’s and Q’s. They’ve just grown a lot with having Jameis at the helm and he’s slicing and dicing right now.”
“We just got to continue to get after him,” Highsmith added on getting pressure on Winston. “He throws it a lot and he’s a heck of a talent. There’s a reason he was the first pick in the draft. We just got to get after him.”
The Steelers will also be back in the comforts of Acrisure Stadium this time around. Highsmith doesn’t expect anything less from their divisional rival on Sunday, though.
“It’s just AFC North ball. It’s a different intensity playing in these games,” Highsmith said. “When I’m out there this week, I just want to do what I can to help my team win. That’s what matters most.”
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Aaron Becker provided reporting from Pittsburgh.