Steelers Today – A Pittsburgh Steelers blog

The Steelers and Browns have been playing one another since dinosaurs walked the earth. The two teams are natural enemies like cats and dogs (although Steelers and Browns is more analogous to sharks and seals or lions and gazelles).

I have followed this storied rivalry since the late 1960′s, I have seen both teams win their fair share of these contests. Over that time, I have developed a hatred for certain Cleveland Browns players. Here is my list of my top 10 most hated Cleveland Browns.

#1 – Joe “Turkey” Jones

“Turkey” Jones will always be public enemy #1 in Pittsburgh. For those of you who are too young to remember Turkey Jones and the play that made him infamous, let me take you back down memory lane.

It was October 10, 1976, and the Steelers were playing their arch-rival, the Cleveland Browns. The Browns had signed Turkey Jones to their roster specifically to try to injure Steelers’ quarterback Terry Bradshaw. Prior to that game, Jones had been a prisoner in a maximum security penitentiary. The Governor of Ohio gave him a pardon so he could join the Browns to play against the Steelers. The Governor made a secret agreement with Jones; hurt Bradshaw and win your freedom.

The Steelers were beating the Browns 79-3, when the Browns sent in Turkey Jones to do his dirty work. Jones knew that he could never get past the Steelers’ vaunted offensive line, so he waited until after the refs had blown a play dead and Terry Bradshaw was walking back to the huddle. Jones had to make sure that Bradshaw and the other Steelers’ backs were turned, since no Brown would ever challenge a Steeler face-to-face. When he knew that Bradshaw wasn’t looking, Jones sprinted towards Bradshaw, picked him up in the air, turned him upside down, and slammed him head first into the ground. A loud applause rose among the unwashed Cleveland fans. Simultaneously, Steelers fans and the rest of the civilized world looked on in utter shock and horror.

As Bradshaw hit the ground head first, most fans thought that his spine would snap. Bradshaw’s body spasmed violently as he writhed in pain. But before anyone could react, Turkey Jones proceeded to stomp repeatedly on the helpless Bradshaw’s throwing hand in an attempt to injure him further. Finally, he gave Bradshaw a brutal kick to the face before he was apprehended by the police.

Due to the secret arrangement between Jones and the Ohio Governor, Jones was released by the Cleveland police as soon as they got him safely away from Municipal Stadium. Turkey Jones has lived in a Browns-owned mansion in Shaker Heights ever since, and he draws a secret pension of $1,000,000 per year that is paid for by the Cleveland City Council.

You may find very different versions of this story in other places like ESPN, NFL.com, Google, Wikipedia, etc. This is due to the Cleveland Browns’ propaganda machine successfully revising all written (and video) accounts of the incident. But we here at Steelers Today remember the true story.

#2 – Joe “Turkey” Jones

YouTube removed the video of the play that I had here.  But trust me when I tell you that it was the dirtiest play in NFL history.  Curse you, Turkey Jones!!!!!!

#3 – Joe “Turkey” Jones

See #1 & #2.

#4 – Joe “Turkey” Jones

Did I mention that after kicking Bradshaw in the face, Jones proceeded to spit on him?

#5 – Joe “Turkey” Jones

A coward’s coward.

#6 – Kellen Winslow Jr.

Winslow is the antithesis of everything the Steelers stand for. He is arrogant, self-centered, self-aggrandizing, soft (though he pretends not to be), and he has never accomplished anything on the field. He has spent much of his career on the injured list. I believe one of those injuries occurred while being tackled by the Pittsburgh Steelers’ kicker (but I could be wrong). The others were thinly veiled excuses to avoid having to play the Steelers.

#7 – Braylon Edwards

See “#6-Kellen Winslow Jr.” Same guy, different jersey number.

#8 – Ozzie Newsome

Newsome was unstoppable as a player. That is reason enough to hate him. But now he is General Manager of the only team that Steelers fans hate more than the Cleveland Browns, the Baltimore Ravens. If it weren’t for Turkey Jones, Ozzie Newsome would be much higher on this list.

#9 – Eric Metcalf

To this day, I still don’t think a Steelers special teams player has ever tackled this guy. He wasn’t much of a running back, but he was a terror on kickoff and punt returns. We hate you Eric Metcalf!

#10 – Webster Slaughter

I’ll give Slaughter the greatest compliment I can ever give a Browns player; I wish he were a Steeler. Slaughter was good. Very good. When Slaughter was playing, he was the Browns player that I worried most about.

Addendum:  #11 – Joshua Cribbs

I know that this article originally only included the top 10.  However, based on what Joshua Cribbs has done against the Steelers in recent years, I have gone back and added his name to the list.  We hate you, Joshua Cribbs!!!!!!!!

Honorable mention

Brian Sipe, Michael Dean Perry, Bob Golic, Bernie Kosar, Paul Warfield

*Editor’s note: As with much of what we write at Steelers Today, this article is intended to be humorous. Several readers have informed us that they thought it was serious. Turkey Jones was not a convict who was hired to hurt Terry Bradshaw. He was simply a professional football player. While he did slam Terry Bradshaw on his head, he never kicked him in the face or spit on him. We apologize to Mr. Jones if anyone else didn’t realize that the article was a joke.

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It’s Steelers vs Browns Day today. Steelers vs Browns Day is a local holiday in Pittsburgh. It is a day of joy, celebration, and good cheer. It’s kind of like Christmas, only with beer.

Pittsburghers wake up early for Steelers vs Browns Day. They know that they have to get to Giant Eagle early before all of the party supplies sell out. Steelers fans adorn themselves in black and gold, and cries of “Here we go Steelers, here we go!!” can be heard throughout the city.

On Steelers vs Browns Day, citizens of Pittsburgh engage in random acts of kindness. Tailgaters share food with total strangers. Drivers on the Parkway yield and allow other drivers to merge in front of them (something that never happens outside of Steelers vs Browns Day). Children give their toys to those less fortunate than themselves. All debts are forgiven, and grudges are forgotten. Steelers vs Browns Day is truly “the most wonderful time of the year”.

In Cleveland, they also have an official holiday. It is called Browns vs Steelers Day. Browns vs Steelers Day is very different from Steelers vs Browns Day. Browns vs Steelers Day is a day of sorrow and mourning. Cleveland Browns fans rue Browns vs Steelers Day. Browns vs Steelers Day is kind of like 9/11, the anniversary of your marriage to your ex-wife (b*tch!), the day the space shuttle Challenger exploded, and the day Kennedy was assassinated, all rolled into one terrible, miserable day.

Liquor stores in Cleveland open at 4:00 AM on Browns vs Steelers Day. By 6:00 AM, all of the hard liquor has completely sold off the shelves as poor, devoted Browns fans attempt to numb themselves to the pain that is to follow later that day.

In an odd meteorological miracle, the sun has never shone on Browns vs Steelers Day. Instead, a dark cloud hovers over the city, blocking out all light, and leaving Cleveland’s citizens feeling cold and sullen. It also frequently rains on Browns vs Steelers Day. Browns vs Steelers Day inevitably results in more suicides in Cleveland than the other 364 days of the year combined.

On Browns vs Steelers Day, Cleveland Browns fans engage in random acts of meanness. They kick their dogs and drown their cats. Children are sent to their rooms for no apparent reason and are not allowed to play with their toys or do anything fun. Browns-loving parents want to teach their children early in life that Browns vs Steelers Day is not to be enjoyed. It is a day of sorrow. Joy, mirth, laughter, fun, and other similar emotions are temporarily banned in Cleveland.

Lastly, Browns fans don’t speak to anyone on Browns vs Steelers Day (especially not to known Steelers fans). Even if they have family in Pittsburgh, they are prohibited from calling them. Cleveland’s local government passed the total silence legislation in an attempt to reduce the suicide rate on Browns vs Steelers Day. Their studies showed that listening to taunting from Steelers fans was the #1 cause of suicide among Browns fans.

That’s about all there is to know about these two related, but very different, holidays. If you’re from Cleveland, happy Browns versus Steelers Day. Try to buy a bottle of Jack Daniels before it all disappears from the shelves. If you’re from Pittsburgh, happy Steelers vs Browns Day! Enjoy the parade.

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The Steelers play their arch-rival, the Cleveland Browns, tomorrow in Cleveland. The game is a nationally televised contest that many thought would be the first step in the Browns’ inevitable unseating of the Steelers from the AFC North throne. However, injuries have changed the complexion of the game. Moreover, the Steelers aren’t going to give up their crown without a fight.

Following last week’s Steelers win, and the Browns’ dismantling at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys, many may have changed their opinion of just how ready the Browns are to take down the reigning champs. The Browns looked weak in all aspects of the game, but don’t let last week fool you. The Browns get pumped up when it’s time to play the Steelers. Moreover, the Browns have tons of injuries right now. This game is probably not going to be reflective of what the Browns can truly do. I am looking forward to the two team’s second battle later this year. Perhaps both teams will be healthy during that game.

Here are what I consider to be the key match-ups of the game:

Steelers receivers vs. Browns secondary

The Browns secondary is really banged up right now. They were torched last week by Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys for 70,000 yards. Okay, maybe not that many, but it certainly seemed like it.

The Browns will be playing without starting safety Sean Jones who is out 3-5 weeks with a knee injury. Cornerback Dave Holley has a torn ACL and is out for the entire season. Safety Brodney Pool is suffering from a concussion, but he is expected to play. The Browns two healthy cornerbacks, second year players Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald, are going to have their hands full.

Steelers receiver Hines Ward is a former Pro Bowler, and Santonio Holmes led all NFL receivers last year in yards per catch. Both players, along with “Big Ben” Roethlisberger, must have been salivating when they watched film of the Browns’ secondary this week. Advantage Steelers.

Justin Hartwig vs Shaun Rogers

Last year’s Steelers center Sean Mahan was sent packing, partially because he couldn’t handle the monster nose tackles in the AFC North. Cleveland Browns nose tackle Shaun Rogers may be the most monstrous. at 6′ 4″ and 350 lbs., Rogers is a human anvil. Hartwig is going to have to bring his “A” game in order to win this match-up. Of course, practicing everyday against Steelers’ nose tackle Casey Hampton has probably prepared Hartwig. Advantage Browns.

James Harrison vs. Joe Thomas

Last year, James Harrison went from back-up to Pro Bowl linebacker. In his first game as a starter he totally dominated Browns rookie LT Joe Thomas. After that game, Thomas also developed into a Pro Bowler. This may be the most interesting battle of the game. Draw.

LaMarr Woodley vs. Kevin Shaffer

Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley was drafted in the 2nd round in the 2007 NFL draft. After sitting and learning during his rookie year, Woodley has emerged as the Steelers starter this year. During training camp, Woodley looked practically unstoppable. Last week against the Texans, Woodley had a sack, an interception, and a fumble recovery. Shaffer is an experienced veteran, but he will have his hands full with Woodley. Advantage Steelers.

Braylon Edwards vs. Steelers secondary

Braylon Edwards is one of the most dynamic receivers in the NFL. He made his first Pro Bowl last year, and is a tough match-up for any cornerback. Edwards is tall, fast, and he has good hands. To make matters worse, Steelers starting cornerback Deshea Townsend is out with an injury (heel contusion), and backup Bryant McFadden will be getting the start. Advantage Browns.

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This week you are going to see me do something that I don’t do very often; I am going give kudos to the Cleveland Browns.

Going into this season, I had week 2 circled as one of the most important weeks of the Steelers’ season. The upstart Cleveland Browns are loaded with young talent, and they made some bold moves during the offseason that made them the clearest threat to the Steelers’ supremacy in the AFC North.

What a difference a year makes. At this time last year, the Browns weren’t considered to be much of a threat to anybody. They had no offense, no defense, and head coach Romeo Crennel was assumed to be a lame duck who would be fired at the end of the season. But that was then, and this is now.

After surprising everyone by going 10-6 last year and tying the Steelers for the best record in the AFC North, the Browns got even better during the offseason. The Browns didn’t get a lot of help from the draft because they didn’t pick until the 4th round. Nevertheless, they got a few players who will definitely have an impact on the team in the future. Inside linebacker Beau Bell would have been a 1st round pick if he hadn’t injured his knee during the first day of Senior Bowl practices. The knee didn’t heal before the Combine, and Bell ran a very slow 4.9, despite running much faster times during his junior year. Ahthyba Rubin is a massive NT who seems to be tailor-made for the AFC North where huge NT’s seem to be the norm. But the biggest off-season improvements came via free agency and trades. Wide receiver Donte Stallworth was added to the already dangerous Browns receiving unit. Derek Anderson now has another weapon to go along with Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow Jr. Defensive linemen Corey Wlliams and Shun Rogers will definitely help the Browns defense.

Having performed well last season, and after making bold changes in the offseason, many predicted the Browns would actually win the AFC North this year. Moreover, the NFL took notice of the Browns and scheduled them for five primetime games this season, an unheard of number for a team that didn’t even reach the playoffs last year. Moreover, Romeo Crennel was given a contract extension, as was General Manager Phil Savage and Offensive Coordinator Rob Chudzinski. The future was bright and expectations were high in Cleveland.

And then Week 1 happened. The Browns were totally dominated by the Dallas Cowboys, losing 28-10. More telling than the final score was the fact that the Browns were held to 205 net yards, compared to 487 yards for the Cowboys. The Cowboys dominated time of possession, and outgained the Browns 168 yards to 91 yards on the ground. Derek Anderson passed for only 114 yards, and Braylon Edwards managed only 2 receptions for 14 yards. On the other side of the ball, the Browns defense applied little pressure, got no sacks, and Cowboys QB Tony Romo seemed to have hours to throw each of his passes. Perhaps the NFL should reconsider some of those primetime games they’ve scheduled the Browns for.

This week, I am predicting that the Steelers will extend their 9 game winning streak over the Brown to 10 consecutive wins. If memory serves me correctly, the Browns haven’t beaten the Steelers since 1951. However, my math might be wrong, and maybe it only SEEMS like the Browns haven’t beaten the Steelers since 1951.

If things go as expected, the Steelers will start the 2008 season 2-0, and the Browns will leave the game with a record of 0-2.

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