article main image
Steelers Already in Browns Players' Heads Before Latest Edition of Heated RivalryBy 12Up

We would normally have a problem with the concept of NFL teams playing twice in such a short span, but in the case of the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers matchup in Week 13, we are ALL for it.

Of course, both sides were involved in a malicious brawl two weeks ago that featured Myles Garrett indefensibly bludgeoning Mason Rudolph with his helmet. A plethora of suspensions and fines were subsequently subjected to all parties involved.

The rematch is looming on Sunday, and it would appear that the Steelers are living rent free in the minds of some Browns players.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Cleveland cornerback Denzel Ward said, "I feel it is going to be a heated game. Like I said, there is going to be a lot of trash talking. A lot of guys are going to try to get under your skin and do things that get you out of character, but we just have to stay poised and focused on what we are there to do, and that is win the game.

"The emotions are going to be high obviously because of the situation that happened and what happened to Myles and some of our other guys, but we just have to go in there and focus on trying to pull out a win."

The rematch might be six days away, but we are already giving a significant edge to the Steelers because the Browns are clearly making keeping their cool a vocal point this week during practice, despite the fact that they should be focusing on their game-plan, as this matchup will have significant playoff implications.

Head coaching matters, folks, and Mike Tomlin is clearly FAR more competent than Freddie Kitchens.