Steelers and Browns trade words before Sunday rematch
Cameron Heyward pushes back on Jared Verse's criticism, while a retired Browns fan predicts a Cleveland victory in a series they have not swept since 1988.
By James Brooks ·
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns will meet on Sunday, and the verbal exchange between the two sides has already begun. Both teams enter the Week 5 matchup with a 5-2 record. If the Steelers win, they will take first place in the division heading into next week's bye.
The tension stems from last week's 27-24 Cleveland victory. Browns defensive end Jared Verse recorded two tackles on the field. He was more active in the postgame locker room. Verse told ESPN Cleveland that the Steelers played "dirty" and that he had "no respect" for players who do "too much extra" after the game.
Steelers captain Cameron Heyward responded on the "Rich Eisen Show" on Tuesday. He questioned whether double teaming, sliding, and chipping are against the rules. Heyward noted that he has bruises to prove the physicality. He stated that the Steelers do not whine about such plays because they are part of the game. Heyward said the words were noted and will be addressed on the field.
Former Browns defensive back Hanford Dixon added fuel to the fire on "The Top Dawgs Show." Dixon, a retired Dawg Pound member, insisted that the Steelers cannot beat the Browns. He claimed the team intimidates Pittsburgh regardless of where the game is played. Dixon said he does not care if the teams meet in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, or even Paris.
Dixon's confidence stands out given the recent history between the clubs. The Browns have not swept the series since 1988. They have won only twice in Pittsburgh since 2001.
Attention on the Steelers offensive line has shifted to left tackle Troy Fautanu. While his run blocking has been effective for the past three weeks, his pass protection has drawn criticism. Fautanu was tagged with responsibility for two sacks against the New Orleans Saints in Paris. One of those sacks came from defensive end Chase Young.
Former Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex offered a technical analysis on 93.7 The Fan. Essex argued that Fautanu's punch is too high in the pass game. He explained that Young watched film and waited for that high punch to slip under the armpit. Essex said Fautanu needs to clean up five to 10 plays to avoid further hits to Aaron Rodgers.
The Steelers currently rank second in the league in yards lost via sacks. They have given up 176 yards, trailing only the New York Jets, who have surrendered 177 yards.
In other sports news, Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor won the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award. The honor recognizes a player who demonstrates commitment to community and helping others. Lindor was selected for his work with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, the SEEN Foundation, Special Olympics Florida, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Lindor donated to relief efforts in Puerto Rico following Hurricanes Maria and Fiona. He also restored athletic facilities in his hometown of Caguas and donated more than $1 million to build Lindor Hall at Montverde Academy. The award was named for Pirates legend Roberto Clemente in 1973. The last Pirate to receive the honor was Andrew McCutchen in 2015.
