In the last conference of the Pittsburgh-Cleveland rivalry, the Browns shellacked the Steelers,. The video game included 28 straight Cleveland factors in the first quarter and a 35-10 halftime lead.

As much as Steelers instructor Mike Tomlin attempted to minimize Sunday's rematch, professional players are still painful.

"They whooped our (butt) in your home and also sent us house," limited end stated. "If you all can't get inspired for that, you probably shouldn't be playing football."

The shock as well as admiration of the Steelers' playoff loss, which really felt over after the very first quarter, left a poor taste in the mouths of some.

"You're stating, 'Damn, what just took place, we have actually three quarters left in this video game,'" defensive lineman claimed. "The largest thing was the shock value that we were down 4 scores, and also it's the very first quarter."

Included Wormley: "I've been considering it a lot. I recognize a lot of individuals have actually been considering it. We're trying to right that ship today."

Tomlin recommended Sunday's video game implies equally as long as any kind of other department, keeping in mind there is a lengthy method to go in the period.

"I make certain it shows up in some form or fashion, however not as a rallying cry or otherwise as a focus of a meeting," Tomlin said Tuesday. "There are a lot of variables that are (exclusive to) 2021 that need to have our attention.

"We have a whole lot riding on this game, playing a really great group in their place."

The 3-3 Steelers sit at the end of the AFC North standings after back-to-back victories before their Week 7 bye. The Browns, meanwhile, are coming off a Thursday evening victory to draw them to 4-3, in 3rd location.

"We still have 5 games left in our department," Tomlin said. "Everybody's got a great deal of divisional play left. You can squander a lot of time checking out local standings on weeks similar to this one. That tale will be written with play over the upcoming months, and that's simply the reality of it."

The playoff loss marked the Steelers' 2nd successive defeat to the Browns after Pittsburgh relaxed its starters in Week 17, which permitted Cleveland to secure its very first playoff berth given that 2002. Pittsburgh has actually not lost 3 straight games versus Cleveland (including playoffs) since 1986-1989 (lost 7 successive games).

Tomlin is 10-4 in his occupation coming off a bye, linked for the third-best record by any type of team because 2007 (when he took control of in Pittsburgh).

"As rivals that discharges us up," he said of the competition. "However forget about being fired up. We need to be properly prepared. We're preparing with a side and understanding of the value of this video game. Isn't that what we registered for: substantial games, big-time competitors, divisional play? It's a terrific means to find off a bye week."