This Sunday, the Cleveland Browns will travel to Pittsburgh aiming to end a long-standing losing streak.
The Browns haven’t claimed victory in a regular-season matchup against the Steelers in Pittsburgh since 2003 – a stretch of 23 seasons!
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first prolonged losing streak for the Browns in the Steel City, as older fans will recall the notorious “Three Rivers Jinx.”
Starting with the opening of that concrete structure in 1970, the Browns made the annual pilgrimage 16 times, and each time they returned home having lost.
At times, it seemed like the Browns might finally overcome the jinx with narrow defeats such as four-point losses in 1974 and 1977; three-point losses in 1979, 1980, and 1984; and a one-point defeat in 1985.
The franchise tried every tactic imaginable to shift their fortunes, from opting for bus trips instead of flights to changing hotels, yet nothing could lift the curse.
Finally, on the afternoon of October 5, 1986.
The standout moment of that day was when Gerald McNeil returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter, marking Cleveland’s first touchdown return in 12 seasons. After the Steelers regained the lead in the third quarter, the Browns managed to narrow the gap to one point heading into the fourth quarter, courtesy of a field goal from Matt Bahr.
The deficit widened to four points following a field goal by Gary Anderson, but Cleveland reclaimed the lead with Earnest Byner’s four-yard touchdown run. Pittsburgh had one last opportunity after Bahr’s second missed field goal of the day, but the Cleveland defense held firm, and the jinx was finally broken.
This Sunday presents Cleveland with another chance to end its recent string of defeats during a season filled with unexpected developments.
Perhaps this is the week the Browns will finally succeed and handle business in Pittsburgh.
Let’s get started with the latest installment of the Daily Dawg Chow.
Dawgs By Nature
Browns WR nominated for league accolade after impressive performance in Week 7 (Thomas Moore): KC Concepcion is among four players recognized for Rookie of the Week.
Is the Browns’ offense genuinely making strides? Reacts Survey (Chris Pokorny): The records suggest yes. But how do the fans feel?
Browns execute three roster changes; also provide an update on Kalia Davis (Jared Mueller): A series of roster moves includes placing Kalia Davis on season-ending injured reserve.
Former Browns QB Seneca Wallace connects with DBN: Cleveland, cold conditions, and much more (Barry Shuck): Seneca Wallace shares insights with our own Barry Shuck.
Browns defense still grapples with allowing an opening touchdown (Chris Pokorny): What was the performance rating of Cleveland’s defense in Sunday’s victory?
Browns offense records significant contributions from first-round picks, with top two PFF players (Chris Pokorny): How did Cleveland’s offensive performance rate in Sunday’s game?
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Cleveland Browns
Browns’ fourth-quarter prowess is transforming into confidence heading into Pittsburgh (Beacon Journal): The Browns are exhibiting a resilience that hasn’t been seen since the playoff season of 2020.
The impact of Dylan Sampson’s return on the Browns’ best rushing performance of the season (cleveland.com): The Tennessee Titans may not endorse it, but it was great to see Dylan Sampson back on the field on Sunday.
Browns sign DE Nadame Tucker to the practice squad (clevelandbrowns.com): Cleveland enhances its practice squad with some MACtion.
Mike McCarthy champions Cleveland ahead of the Steelers-Browns clash (Behind The Steel Curtain): The rivalry between Pittsburgh and Cleveland is among the most celebrated in the nation and extends beyond football, intertwining into our daily lives. Mike McCarthy, who grew up in Greenfield during the peak of the 1970s Steelers era, like many from Pittsburgh, had a negative perception of Cleveland until he visited.
NFL
Colts trade DT DeForest Buckner to 49ers in another significant transaction (ESPN): The fire sale continues in Indianapolis as the Colts part with DeForest Buckner and Quenton Nelson.
Is Michael Penix Jr. doing enough to solidify the Falcons’ future? ‘He’s a franchise quarterback’ (The Athletic): Has head coach Kevin Stefanski finally discovered his franchise quarterback?
Ravens rookie guard Vega Ioane set to miss time due to MCL sprain (Baltimore Beat Down): More injury developments emerge from Baltimore.
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