The Rivalry Should Be On Now!

 

For the many Steeler fans out there who do not think the Browns game is a big deal since Cleveland is not any good, the performance of the black and gold on Saturday should get the fire burning among the Browns players in 2006.  If I were in the front office, I would ask the schedule makers to allow the two teams to get together as early as possible next season.

 

Yes, Pittsburgh dominated in every phase of the game in the 41-0 pasting at Browns Stadium.  And yes, they are a better team, as they try to make the playoffs again with their 10-5 record going into their game with the equally wretched Lions on Sunday.  However, it was the way the Steelers won that should leave a bad taste in the mouth of every person in the Cleveland organization. 

 

Pittsburgh mocked the Browns.  They ran up the score with a long pass to Quincy Morgan, who amazingly held on to the pass, in the fourth quarter.  The subsequent kickoff looked awfully like an onside kick, as well.  The constant preening and posturing of Steeler players in the rout should stick in the craw of Phil Savage, Romeo Crennel, and every other Brown.  Bill Cowher’s smug smile was every bit as annoying as Morgan’s gesturing after his touchdown.

 

The game showed Pittsburgh did not take the Browns seriously from the moment the game began.  The Browns players and coaching staff said after the game they were embarassed by their performance.  They should be. For the most part, they mailed it in on Christmas Eve.  You can count on one hand the players who were disgusted by their play as the game went on.  Reuben Droughns’ effort on a fourth down carry in the fourth quarter showed his passion for the game. 

 

The Steelers acted like the big bully on the playground on Saturday, making fun of the little guys as they repeatedly they gave them noogies.  Nest year, here’s hoping the Browns get up off of their collective butts, stand up and kick the bully right in the family jewels.  I’d love to see Cowher grimacing along with the rest of the guys wearing black and gold.

 

MW