Browns Beat the Steelers!
December 11, 200912 Days of a Cleveland Christmas: Day 5
December 11, 2009
Joshua Gunter/ The Plain Dealer
As the final seconds ticked off of the clock, two quotes kept getting stuck in my head:
Joanna: “How dare you judge me? I mean what are you? You think you’re some kind of, like, angel here? No, you’re just this penny-stealing… wanna-be criminal… man.”
Peter: “Yeah, well, that may be. But at least I never slept with Lumbergh.”
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“Remember when I got caught stealing all those watches from Sears? Well, that’s nothing because you have a gambling problem. And remember when I let that escaped lunatic in the house because he was dressed like Santa Claus? Well, YOU have a gambling problem!” –Homer J. Simpson
Those are for you, Steelers/Steeler Fans. The Browns still suck this morning. They’re still 2-11, have a crappy roster, have no hope of competing for the playoffs anytime soon, and have a mostly demoralized fan base that hates its coach and owner. All of those things are true.
But at least we didn’t gag our way out of the playoffs by losing to Kansas City, Oakland, and The Browns! At least we never slept with Lumbergh. At least we don’t have a gambling problem.
I know there are some Browns fans out there that are mad (mad?) at the Browns for winning this game, because it affects their draft position. I am not one of those fans. As I wrote in the open thread after the game, for the six days and 20+ hours the Browns are not playing, I can rationalize with you about draft positions, coaching firings, and all of that. I get the argument.
But, for those 3+ hours on game day when the Orange and Brown steps on the field, I want them to win each and every time. And that will never change.
If you can’t find the joy in:
a) ending a 12-game losing streak to your main rivals,
b) embarrassing them on national (well, NFL Network national, anyway) television, and
c) knocking them out of the playoffs,
then you, friends, are not Browns fans as I was raised to be one. I know saying something like that tends to tick people off, but so be it. I went to college in Alliance, and half of my friends from school are Steelers fans. And you better believe I’ve enjoyed the heck out of mocking them this morning.
Getty Images / Greg Shamus
It is embarrassing, Hines. And it makes me soooo happy. And, while I know there are fans that are mad that we might not get the #1 pick, I’m not. Here’s my logic: the Browns were in a 3-way tie for the #1 pick. There was no guarantee that they would get it; if the Browns, Tampa Bay, and St. Louis all were tied at 1-15, for example, there would be a series of coin flips to determine the #1 pick. So, if your argument is that you wanted the #1 pick to get Ndamukong Suh, you can’t pin losing that pick/player on the Browns winning last night. Also, if your argument is that the Browns needed to lose out because those other two teams might win some games the rest of the way, well then based on all of that coin flip madness, the Browns are still in it.
And they knocked the Steelers out of the playoffs along the way.
Damn, it feels good to be a gangster.
35 Comments
Welcome Cleveland Mr. Berry.
So who else was waiting for a pass interference, defensive holding or roughing the passer call on that fourth down play?
/raises hand
A Browns Win and Office Space quotes all wrapped up in one article. Be still my heart!
I’ll worry about the draft when the season is over. Until then it’s about winning games.
Restoring my faith in this team, one measley win at a time.
Last night was beautiful. I laughed, out loud, by myself, numerous times. For both the Browns BEATING the Steelers, and then for the Browns beating the STEELERS! Not only did we WIN, but beat the STEELERS. We could’ve ended this season with only 1-win, as long as that win was against them, I’m happy.
@RobGoBlue – Welcome, Mr. Berry.
hahahahaha. awesome. i could give a *(^(* about people who are mad about losing the 1st pick. trust me…we don’t want it. fools gold. i go into every game wanting us to win.
i watched the game last night with a steelers fan, and half-jokingly welcomed him to the game by declaring “are you ready to flush your playoff hopes down the drain” (not unlike on braveheart where they say “are you ready to kiss a kings ass today”..since we’re doing quotes here)
surprisingly, some dudes i never heard of “sacked” (i mean lets be honest, those weren’t the most scary lookin sacks…i think ben just fell down on some of them) the QB 8 times! really?! the browns got 8 sacks from guys that were probably on a UFL practice squad 2 months ago.
either way…i’ll take it. nice work…now i’m off to NOLA to celebrate with my pissed off steelers GF (she’s hot…sorry guys)
I cannot remember the last time I felt so pumped this long after a Browns game…Maybe the home opener against the Ravens in 2003, but I think this tops that because it was the Steelers and we knocked them out of the playoffs…
Damn Skippy… If all you are worried about are Draft positions, then go root for another team. I’m sure the Saint’s have a bandwagon spot ready.
Go Browns… Down with the Steelers.
The fact that our win last night marks the unofficail / official end to the Pukesburgh dominace of the AFC North makes me a very very happy man.
The thing I don’t fully understand, is how can anyone under 30 call this a rivalry? Sure, there was some point before I was born where there was heated games, but through the late 80s the Broncos bestowed more misery, BY FAR, than the Steelers.
Only thing that makes sense:
1) You dad (or whatever passed for a father) taught you to hate the steelers
2) You work with steeler fans who are annoying
Maybe I’m just not a “real fan” because I’m not excited about a victory in a season that was over 6 weeks ago for a franchise that has no future direction.
/rant, don’t let this drag you down if you’re happy. I am just uber apathetic
Couldn’t agree with you more, DP. Anytime you have an opportunity to beat the Steelers, you take it. We should consider trading down the top pick anyways… as we haven’t been very good with draft picks anyways.
During the game, the NFL network showed a nice graphic of the Browns draft picks from the first 3 rounds in 2000-2005… NONE are with the team and 11 are no longer in the NFL (20 total).
(and yes.. I’m raising my hand, Scott)
Swig, I grew up in an era where the Browns had NEVER won in Pittsburgh. EVER. And then they did. I remember the day The Jinx died fondly now. I’m only 32.
And further, I can’t understand why any OSU college students consider OSU/Michigan a rivalry. Why do they take it so seriously? Michigan hasn’t won since they were in junior high.
(sorry, that last one probably should have been in all-caps)
SWIG- This is about all of those annoying Steeler fans who LOVE the Cavs and the Buckeyes. The Steeler fans who look like they haven’t seen a shower in months and a dentist in years. The Steeler fans who when you’re giving sound football analysis say “6 rings”. The Steeler fans who were born ‘around’ the Pittsburgh area.. like Canton? or Alliance? The moron Steeler fan who told me that Pittsburgh is closer to Ohio than Cleveland is? Really? Isn’t Cleveland IN Ohio? Maybe I’m the idiot.
SWIG, That is why I will savor this win til next season. We’ve had to endure so much crap from those backwood rednecks for our entire expansion team. This is well worth it..
6 RINGS
“But, for those 3+ hours on game day when the Orange and Brown steps on the field, I want them to win each and every time. And that will never change.”
This is ABSOLUTELY correct. I don’t care that much about having the number 1 pick. We will still have a top five pick.
Great Article. Love the Office Space quote. So funny and so fitting!
Swig – I am 30 (I’m a man – I’m 30!) and I call this a rivalry. Both have been in the same division for decades, both are storied franchises, both are close geographically with fan bases that spill into each other’s region, both fan bases despise each other, and there have been heated games in every decade they have played. Even this decade, which has been rough for the Browns, has produced meaningful games (including a playoff game). Just because the Browns have struggled lately doesn’t take away the rivalry. Ohio State has beaten Michigan 8 of the last 9 times they played – I’m pretty sure it’s still a rivalry.
DP, how on earth could you not consider tOSU/michigan a rivarly based on the last 10 years? That rivalry goes way back. And remember michigan still holds the overall lead in the series.
“But, for those 3+ hours on game day when the Orange and Brown steps on the field, I want them to win each and every time. And that will never change.”
This should be stuck in the heads of every single Browns fan worldwide.
Roy, I was being sarcastic in response to Swig’s comment about anyone under 30 not considering CLE/PITT a rivalry. I noted below that comment that it should have been in all-caps, the resident WFNY Sarcasm Font.
One more thing. Cribbs said last night “They (Steelers) don’t think this is a rivalry anymore. But we do. This is all our fans wanted for Christman this year.” or something like that. I may be combining two different quotes… BUT the point is still the same. ESPN and Pittsburgh may think this rivalry is dead. But the Cleveland fans and players do not.
Just thought I’d kick in some Cribbs quotes from the AP recap of the story:
“It means everything,” Browns do-it-all wide receiver Josh Cribbs said. “There are a lot of Steelers fans around the city so I hope people go to work and kick those Steelers fans.”
“They’re going to hear that bus’ engine all the way back,” Cribbs said. “That’s a lonely ride. I’ve ridden that ride for five years now. It’s time for them to hear that engine all the way home while they look at the stat sheet.”
Showing some love for the Simpsons quote too: “No, Lisa. The only monster here is the gambling monster that has enslaved your mother! I call him Gamblor, and it’s time to snatch your mother from his neon claws!”
So, does this mean we can look forward to Dan Gilbert becoming paranoid about microscopic germs, keeping his urine in jars, and building a plane (“That’s quite a model, sir.” Model?) called the Spruce Moose?
On Nov. 25, 1979 the Browns lost to the Steelers 33-30 in OT. I was nine years old. I cried and cried. My dad tried to comfort me with the caring sentiment of, “we’re from Cleveland, get used to it.” I never did. I’ve always held out hope despite all evidence to the contrary. So for me its not just hope for a championship but as a tool to stick it to my dad, who I love dearly:). Any win against the Steelers is a good win and makes my week. I hate those d-bags.
Even though it was intended to be sarcastic I think it was a decent point. However, tOSU has only been dominant recently, while not that long ago they were beating up on us.
The Browns have been beatup on for the last 10 years, didn’t exist for 5 years before that, and spend the 5 years before that basically going 1-1 (except for 94, that was a rough year).
If tOSU/Michigan happened twice a year I think it would take something off the excitement (i.e. “don’t worry we will beat them when they come back here”).
While I understand why this victory makes people happy, it gives no indication that the Browns will be competitive for the rest of this season (or next year) so I’m not excited.
Swig, at 27, I do understand what you mean; however, I definitely feel an undying hatred for the Steelers for two reasons: 1994 Divisional Playoffs and 2002 Wild Card game. The only two occasions in my memory that the Browns made it to the playoffs, we lost to the f#$%ing Steelers. How many times in the last 10 years have we held a lead in the fourth quarter against those Piss yellow bastards only to lose in the final seconds?? That is why this is still a rivalry, at least to me: a 27 year old Browns fan who cannot remember the glory days of the 80’s, but still lives and dies every week with the Orange and Brown. Today is a good day.
@Swig
I know you’re taking heat for your comment, but my personal reason to consider this a rivalry is that I grew up in Youngstown, equal distance between both clubs, and I literally have 4 aunts/uncles that root for the Browns and 4 for the Steelers. Houses are divided, and being on the Browns end, what a great win.
The draft will sort itself out, but I for one (and really many agree) do not want the #1 pick based on the money we have to guarantee. 1 vs 2 last year was $41.75 million vs $33 million guaranteed, ie 20% cheaper. We know it’s Berry or Suh, so we get the cheaper player but still one that we want/need badly. Win-win in my book.
This is the biggest win in recent memory for me as a Brown’s fan and I just wanted to celebrate. I’m still ecstatic about it today. I could care less about rubbing it in Pittsburgh’s face.
A 1-11 team playing like that in -12 degree weather? Wow. Props to all the fans that attended as well. I heard there were players jumping in the Dawg Pound at the end and celebrating.
The Browns came out and played smash mouth, cold weather, AFC North football and got a big W. If that’s not encouraging moving forward, I don’t know what is!
The 1st pick is only determined by coin flips if strength of schedule is even; with Tampa Bay still playing New Orleans and St. Louis playing harder teams than the Browns down the stretch, Cleveland would have easily had the easiest schedule and had the #1 pick. Since the Lions have had an easier strength of schedule, we slid from #1 last night to #4 (straight up victories don’t matter in the draft order). In the end, I’d still rather beat Pittsburgh than the #1 pick.
Swig not only do you look beautiful today, but I agree fully with you.
My dad’s from Pittsburgh and he doesn’t rub it in. I had two out of 6 roomates in college from Pittsburgh. They did rub it in. In the douchiest ways possible. And I still am rather apathetic.
I find it highly laughable that people like to classify Pittsburgh fans as cretins and trash. Seriously – it’s the same exact demographic as NE Ohio. To call them trash is to call yourself trash. I said this on Twitter, but there are plenty of mullets in NE Ohio too, and just about as many camouflage hats. So while gloating, try to stay on the fact that the Browns won, rather than on generalistic demographic notions that are completely invalid.
I live in Austin, Texas. I am very apparent in my fondness for Cleveland sports. My cubicle is decorated in Cleveland sports memoirbilia and pictures of my wife/kids. Most of the pictures of my kids displayed have them in Cleveland sports clothing.
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I walk in this morning, and I have been bombarded with enough ‘congratulations’ that if you didn’t know me you would have thought my wife just had another kid.
sure, it helps I work with alot of Cowboy fans that hate the Steelers as well, but they understand that ESPECIALLY in a year as painful as this one, beating the Steelers is sweet.
@BC – I agree. And I will further add that even if we win-out, we will be likely top10 and can draft OLB Hughes from TCU.
all is good this morning.
It boggles my mind that any Browns fan would prefer a higher draft pick than a win over the Steelers. I cannot fathom that concept.
Just consider this question:
Since 1999, do the Browns have more wins against the Steelers or Top 5 draft picks?
If you said Top 5 draft picks, you’re correct… AND LOOK WHERE IT’S GOTTEN US!!! Just enjoy this win. It feels SO good!
I don’t care what ESPN thinks of the the rivalry, I’m just happy that now there’s almost NO chance that Lebron is going to Pittsburgh.
@DP
I couldn’t have written a story any better than this. The sheer fact that we beat them is incredible by itself but that we basically eliminated them from the playoffs too? BRILLIANT. I 2nd your comment from Hines Ward; damn right it IS embarassing and I don’t really care. WE WON!
I’ve been wearing my Cribbs jersey all day at work and my boss and three other people here are Steelers fans and I’ve enjoyed pissing them off with the constant reminders of how CRIBBS single-handedly owned them.
Newsflash for ya Wines Hard: You are just as pathetic as your teammates.