BEREA — The Steelers have never led their all-time regular season series with the Browns since it began in 1950. But that may change Sunday night as Pittsburgh can take a 56-55 advantage with a victory at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
The Steelers have won nine straight games over the Browns and 14 of the last 15 matchups, but coach Mike Tomlin said his squad is taking nothing for granted.
“Reputation and resumes are a dangerous thing,” the second-year coach said. “I wasn’t a part of a lot of those wins and neither were a lot of our guys here. It’s going to be a tall task to go in there on Sunday night and perform well enough to win.”
Tomlin and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger both went out of their way to praise the Browns during their conference calls Wednesday, going as far as to declare Cleveland the team to beat in the division.
“They are the head of the class in the AFC North right now, and until we play, they still are,” said Roethlisberger, who is 7-0 against the Browns in his career. “I believe they had six Pro Bowlers last season, plus all the additions they made in free agency and the draft.
“What has happened before doesn’t mean anything to us. It’s a new year, it’s a new team, and it’s going to be a good game. It always is every time we play each other.”
While it might be just another game for the defending division champion Steelers, it’s a very important one for Cleveland, which is hosting its first nationally televised “NBC Sunday Night Football” game.
After being drubbed 28-10 by Dallas in front of most of the country in Week 1, the Browns are under added pressure to perform in prime time — and break the curse the Steelers seem to hold over them.
“I can’t speak for before I was here, but since I’ve been here, basically, they’ve played better,’’ said Cleveland coach Romeo Crennel, who is 0-6 against Pittsburgh. “Even when it looked like we had a chance, we haven’t been able to finish.
“I’ve mentioned (the losing streak) to the players, but I don’t try to dwell on it because I don’t want them to think about it. You have to tell them and show them that they have a chance.”

Below the belt

Adam “Pacman” Jones told Dallas reporters that a member of the Browns grabbed his crotch after he muffed a punt return in the third quarter Sunday. He initially accused Nick Sorensen of groping him at the bottom of a pile, but subsequently backed off the identification.
“Come on, I would never do that,” Sorensen said. “Consider the source.”
Fellow Cleveland special teamer Mike Adams also denied being the culprit, saying, “Pacman was doing a lot of talking to everybody. When he started yelling to the refs, ‘Somebody grabbed my (expletive),’ I thought it was a cop-out because he fumbled the ball and he was just making up excuses.”

America’s team

Despite the Browns barely being competitive Sunday, their opener against Dallas was the most watched sporting event in the country last weekend. Fox drew a 14.3 overnight rating and a 28 share for the game, according to Nielsen Media Research.
 It beat out NBC’s Bears/Colts game on Sunday Night Football (13.0 and 22), CBS’s regional 1 p.m. coverage (11.0 and 24) and ESPN’s Monday Night Football doubleheader featuring the Vikings/Packers (9.3 and 12.5) and Broncos/Raiders (7.3 and 9.7).
No non-NFL program topped a 4.3 rating.

Injury update

Browns starting wide receiver Donte Stallworth (strained quadriceps) did not practice, but has not been completely ruled out for the Steelers game. Kick returner Joshua Cribbs (ankle), guard Rex Hadnot (knee), linebacker Kris Griffin (elbow), guard Ryan Tucker (hip) and safety Brodney Pool (concussion) were limited.
For Pittsburgh, Roethlisberger (shoulder) and wide receiver Hines Ward (personal reasons) sat out, but will play. Tackle Marvel Smith (groin) and cornerback Deshea Townsend (foot) were limited.

Extra points

Pittsburgh running back Willie Parker has 613 yards in his last five games against the Browns.
• Roethlisberger has a 21-1 record in games played in Ohio since graduating from Findlay High in 2000. He is 12-1 at Miami University’s Yager Stadium, 5-0 at Cincinnati’s Paul Brown Stadium and 4-0 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
• The Browns’ odds of winning the Super Bowl soared from 25-1 to 55-1 after their loss to Dallas, according to offshore sports book Bodog.

Quote of the day

“I went to school there (at Robert Morris in Pittsburgh), so I know they definitely hate Cleveland. It’s a good rivalry and, as players, we know how much it means to both cities.” — Browns center Hank Fraley.
Contact Brian Dulik at (330) 721-4059 or brisports@hotmail.com.

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