The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns will meet again on Sunday, and trash talk is already flying between the two teams heading into the game. Both teams are 5-2 and tied for first place in the AFC North, making this a huge game for Pittsburgh and Cleveland.
But after the way their first meeting played out, there could be some extra emotion when these teams take the field.
After Cleveland's 27-24 win over Pittsburgh earlier this season, Browns defensive end Jared Verse took a shot at the Steelers' offensive line, accusing the group of playing dirty. Verse also made it clear that he was looking forward to facing Pittsburgh again. Well, he won't have to wait much longer.
Pittsburgh Steelers-Cleveland Browns seems like it will be predictably heated in Week 8
Cameron Heyward isn't forgetting Verse's comments
Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward addressed Verse's comments during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show this week, and he wasn't afraid to fire back. Heyward defended the Steelers' use of double teams, chip blocks, and extra protection against opposing pass rushers, pointing out that those are all part of the game. "But we don't whine about it, baby. It's part of the game," Heyward said.
Heyward also made it clear that he's looking forward to Sunday's rematch, adding that Verse's comments haven't gone unnoticed. "But those were words that were said, and they will be addressed," Heyward said.
It's clear that Heyward is ready to face Cleveland again, and the Steelers will have a chance to respond after losing the first meeting. Whether that means anything beyond playing hard remains to be seen, but the comments have certainly added some fuel to the rivalry.
Mason McCormick could have something to say
Steelers left guard Mason McCormick is another player to watch on Sunday. McCormick is already a passionate, vocal player who isn't afraid to show emotion on the field. That makes the matchup against Cleveland's defensive front even more interesting, especially with everything that has been said about Pittsburgh's offensive line.
On 93.7 The Fan, Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly indicated that McCormick wants to get back at Verse after the Browns defensive end's comments about the Steelers' offensive line.
McCormick will have an opportunity to do that between the lines. If he and Verse end up going back and forth throughout the game, it wouldn't be surprising to see emotions run high. The Steelers will need their offensive line to protect Aaron Rodgers, but this matchup now has an added storyline after Verse's comments and the response from Pittsburgh.
Browns aren't backing down either
Verse isn't the only Cleveland player who has had something to say about Pittsburgh.
After the Browns' first win, linebacker Quincy Williams summed up his team's attitude toward the Steelers with a blunt comment. "They be barking, we be biting though," Williams said. That comment shows the confidence Cleveland has heading into Sunday's game. The Browns already beat Pittsburgh once, and they'll be looking to do it again on the road.
Sunday's game could get chippy
There is already plenty of motivation on both sides heading into this matchup. Verse called out the Steelers' offensive line; Heyward fired back, and McCormick could have some extra motivation of his own. With first place in the AFC North on the line, both teams have plenty to play for.
These two teams are never short on physicality, and all the back-and-forth this week gives Sunday's game another storyline to follow. The Steelers will get their chance to respond on the field. After everything that's been said, don't be surprised if this one gets chippy early.
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