The Pittsburgh Steelers' proverbial little brother, the Cleveland Browns, have suddenly turned into a respectable football team. For several decades, the Browns were not a great team, but recently, they have turned things around. Historically, the Steelers have dominated the rivalry, holding an all-time record of 81–63–1 against the Browns.
Matt Freed / ap photo
Steelers' TJ Watt sacks Browns' Deshaun Watson in Pittsburgh, PA.
The Browns made a bold move by signing quarterback Deshaun Watson to a massive five-year deal worth $230 million. Watson has faced challenges, including a significant suspension and injuries, during his time with the Browns.
#Browns QB Deshaun Watson held his annual 7-on-7 Tournament with over 300 athletes from 16 local teams—including Glenville, who surprised Watson at his tournament with his own state championship ring.
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) July 17, 2024
In return, Watson made a promise: To get them all Super Bowl rings this year. pic.twitter.com/k2t2WFlz5J
However, this offseason, he made a strong promise. While supporting a team at his annual 7-on-7 tournament, Watson was recorded by Camryn Justice, pledging to deliver a Super Bowl victory in the 2024 season. As Watson is holding up the ring that the Glenville team presented him. Watson made a strong promise.
“You all see that one right there. I am going to get you all a Super Bowl. We are going to make that happen.
While it's not unusual for a starting quarterback of a good team to be confident in their abilities, the Browns have never appeared in a Super Bowl, let alone won one. Browns fans still hold onto their playoff victory over the Steelers a couple of seasons ago, which was their greatest moment against Pittsburgh in several decades. This highlights how dominant the Steelers have been over the Browns.
It has been 2,649 days since the Pittsburgh Steelers won a playoff game. https://t.co/9ua7Ewb7W9 pic.twitter.com/zQHwIX7RTc
— Nick Karns (@karnsies817) April 17, 2024
The Browns brought in Watson with hopes he could elevate their team. When he got hurt in the 2023 season, Joe Flacco stepped in and went on a magical run. Luckily for Steelers fans, that run ended in the playoffs with a 45-14 beat down to the Houston Texans, a sour conclusion to an otherwise remarkable season compared to what Browns fans are normally used to.
AP
Browns QB Joe Flacco throws the football during a home game in Cleveland.
The AFC North is arguably the most competitive division in football. Many pundits have strong faith that the Browns can win the division. However, to do so, they will need better quarterback play from Watson, who also needs to stay healthy. Watson has played in just 12 games in his two years in Cleveland, leading the Browns to an 8-4 record in those games. He completed 59.8% of his throws, passed for 2,217 yards, and threw for 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions. While the Browns have won games with Watson, he has not been at his best.
Steelers Have Shut Down Deshaun Watson
The Steelers have shut down Watson in their matchups, handing him two of his four losses with the Browns. However, Watson still is confident that he knows how to beat the Steelers defense. Despite never beating them in his entire NFL career. Although Browns fans are optimistic about their team's outlook, Pittsburgh cannot be counted out in the AFC North. Football fans are excited to get an unprecedented close-up look at this intense divisional battle during the new in-season Hard Knocks, which will feature the entire division.
AP
Defensive lineman Cam Heyward takes down quarterback Deshaun Watson during a Pittsburgh Steelers game.
While Watson has promised Browns fans a Super Bowl victory in the 2024 season, the Steelers will look to shut down the Browns and the rest of the division. As of now, all four teams have a legitimate shot at winning the division and lifting the Super Bowl trophy. However, the idea of the Browns winning a Super Bowl in 2024, no matter how improved they are, still seems wild.
#SteelerNation
