Pittsburgh Steelers fans have long prided themselves on supporting one of the most well-run and consistent organizations in the NFL. Since 2003, the Steelers have avoided a losing season, something that many teams can only dream of. In fact, there is a select group of NFL teams that seem to perpetually struggle year in and year out, with the Cleveland Browns being one of the most prominent examples in the AFC North. And for Steelers fans, that fact is a blessing, especially when considering the contrast between the two franchises.
The Browns have been one of the league’s most dysfunctional teams throughout the 21st century. While Pittsburgh has consistently been in playoff contention, Cleveland has spent much of the past two decades mired in mediocrity or worse. To put it into perspective, the Steelers have had 21 straight seasons without a losing record, while the Browns have only had four non-losing seasons in the same span. It’s a stark contrast that highlights the challenges faced by Cleveland’s front office and ownership, making the Browns a consistent source of frustration for their fanbase.
The Deshaun Watson Experiment: A Gamble That Hasn’t Paid Off
Cleveland thought it could turn the tide by acquiring former Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson in a trade that sent shockwaves through the league. In exchange for Watson, the Browns gave up three first-round picks, a third-round pick, and two fourth-round picks. On top of that, Cleveland signed Watson to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million deal. This move came after Watson missed the entire 2021 season due to off-the-field troubles, including serious legal issues that raised red flags for many.
The Browns were betting on Watson’s talent and hoping he would return to his Pro Bowl form, but so far, it’s been an unmitigated disaster. Watson’s 2022 season was marred by suspension, and in 2023, he missed nearly half the season due to injuries. By 2024, Watson had suffered a torn Achilles in Week 7, effectively ending his season. To make matters worse, when Watson was on the field, he struggled mightily, leading many to question why the Browns were sticking with him as their starter. His performance was among the worst in the league, and fans were openly calling for his benching. The fear, however, was that the Browns’ massive financial investment in Watson made it nearly impossible for them to make a change.
Cleveland’s Unsettling Future: A Blessing for the Steelers
Despite all of the failures that have marked the Watson experiment, the Browns are not expected to make sweeping changes this offseason. According to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, Cleveland is expected to bring back head coach Kevin Stefanski, general manager Andrew Berry, and Watson for the 2025 season, with Watson’s role still uncertain as he recovers from Achilles surgery. While Stefanski’s return isn’t a surprise—he has been the best coach Cleveland has had in the 21st century and won the NFL’s Coach of the Year award twice—Berry’s continued tenure is perplexing. It was Berry’s decision to bet the farm on Watson, and so far, it hasn’t paid off.
For Pittsburgh Steelers fans, this is nothing short of great news. The Browns’ continued struggles are a gift, especially when considering the current state of their quarterback position. Even if Watson returns from his Achilles injury, it’s unclear how effective he will be after two years of poor play and a significant setback in 2024. On top of that, Watson has yet to find success against Pittsburgh, with an 0-2 record when facing the Steelers in a Cleveland uniform. This ongoing quarterback issue in Cleveland bodes well for Pittsburgh, as the rivalry between the two AFC North teams continues to tilt in favor of the Steelers.
The Browns’ Organization Is Stuck in a Cycle of Dysfunction
The Browns’ inability to make a successful long-term investment in a quarterback—despite their risky and costly decision to trade for Watson—has left them in a perpetual state of mediocrity. The lack of stability at the most important position on the field, paired with questionable front-office decisions, continues to haunt Cleveland. Even with talented players on both sides of the ball, the team cannot seem to get over the hump, and it doesn’t look like that will change anytime soon.
For Steelers fans, this dysfunction in Cleveland is something to celebrate. The Browns’ inability to find lasting success at quarterback and their continued investment in Watson ensures that Pittsburgh has a clear edge in the rivalry for the foreseeable future. While the Steelers continue to enjoy stability under head coach Mike Tomlin, the Browns remain stuck in a cycle of poor decisions, making them a team to watch for all the wrong reasons.
As the Steelers look ahead to the future, the dysfunction in Cleveland is a reminder of how fortunate Pittsburgh fans are to root for an organization that is consistently competitive. The Browns, meanwhile, will have to reckon with their costly mistakes if they hope to turn things around. For now, it’s clear that the Steelers’ dominance in the AFC North is safe—at least for a while longer.
