Written by: Matt Sympson
The Cleveland Browns did something on Sunday they’ve only done three times in the past ten years: beat the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In a game that featured the Steelers committing eight turnovers, including three different running backs fumbling, and Steelers third-string quarterback Charlie Batch throwing three interceptions, the Browns stunned the Steelers 20-14 to earn their third win of the season.
The Steelers were without starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who missed his second straight game with a shoulder injury in the Monday night football game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
They were also without their second-string quarterback Byron Leftwich, who was injured during the Baltimore Ravens game, leaving the quarterback position to 38-year-old veteran Batch, who hasn’t started or played in a game this season.
Browns fans were stoked about the win against Pittsburgh.
“I hope many future Browns-Steelers games are like that…competitive and exciting down to the last drive,” Browns fan Nate Demetra said.
On the other side of the spectrum, Steelers fans aren’t too happy about the loss to the Browns.
“It stinks,” Steelers fan Olivia Costello said. “It’s just pathetic to me though that the Browns still barely beat us even when we have a third-string quarterback in.”
Browns players were also excited about defeating their arch-rivals.
“This is the biggest win by far, since I‘ve been here,” cornerback Joe Haden said on the Cleveland Browns team website.
“Playing against the Steelers and us not being able to get a real win streak going, being able to come in here, it’s big for our fans. It’s big for the coaches. It’s big for the town.”
With the Ravens defeating the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, the Ravens stand alone in first place in the AFC North at 9-2.
The loss drops the Steelers to 6-5 on the season and they are tied in second place with the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Steelers will travel to Baltimore next weekend to face the Ravens who defeated them two weeks ago 13-10.
The Browns will travel to Oakland to take on the Raiders.
The Browns still have a lot of work to do if they want to make it to the post-season, but for them to beat the Steelers is almost as good as having a winning season or even winning the Super Bowl for their fans.