CLEVELAND — There are advantages and disadvantages to having your archrival just a
2½-hour drive away, which the Browns and Steelers are well aware of.
One of the primary negatives about the Turnpike Series, according to Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin, is the transportation involved.
“It’s special for a lot of reasons, but one of the most unique is the close proximity of the cities and the fact this is a bus trip,’’ Tomlin said with a laugh. “I can’t tell you I’ve been involved with too many bus trips in the NFL.”
Nor has Cleveland center Hank Fraley, but he is familiar with making the trip across Interstate 80, having played college football at Robert Morris University in downtown Pittsburgh.
Whether the teams are battling at Cleveland Browns Stadium — as they did Sunday night —
or at Heinz Field, Fraley sees friendly faces in the stands.
“That’s part of what makes it so great for both cities,” he said. “Somehow, Steelers fans find a way to get tickets here and somehow Browns fans find a way to get into the games in Pittsburgh.
“Knowing you can go to the game, drive home and still get to work the next morning isn’t very common in the NFL.’’
Partly because of their rivalry, the Browns and Steelers will travel fewer miles by plane, bus and train during the 2008 season than any other teams.

Brownie bits

Return specialist Joshua Cribbs and safety Brodney Pool made their season debuts after missing Week 1 with a high ankle sprain and a concussion, respectively. Cribbs served as the third wide receiver as Syndric Steptoe was given his second straight start. Steptoe blew a block on the opening play, then was called for offensive pass interference late in the first quarter, wiping out a completion to Lawrence Vickers.
• Corey Williams and Nick Sorensen combined for the team’s first sack of the season.
• Braylon Edwards had the first pass thrown to him squirt through his hands, giving him five drops in five quarters.
• Derek Anderson opened 2-of-9 for 13 yards and an interception.
• The teams combined for seven punts and four first downs in the first 15 minutes.

Injury update

Not in uniform for the Browns were wide receiver Donte Stallworth (quadriceps), tight end Martin Rucker (knee), safety Sean Jones (knee), linebacker Beau Bell (knee), guard Ryan Tucker (hip), nose tackle Ahtyba Rubin and guard Scott Young. Ken Dorsey was the third quarterback.
• Starting right cornerback Deshea Townsend (foot) was Pittsburgh’s only injured inactive.
As expected, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger played despite sitting out several practices with a separated AC joint in his right shoulder.
“The standard of expectation has not changed,” Tomlin said. “He’s a little sore, but there will be no excuses.”

Celebrity sightings

Olympic swimming star Michael Phelps took in the game from a luxury box, one day after hosting Saturday Night Live.
• The stars of the upcoming film “The Express” conducted the honorary coin toss. Dennis Quaid, Rob Brown, Omar Benson Miller and Charles Dutton all appear in the movie about the life and death of former Browns running back Ernie Davis. Ex-Cleveland players Jim Brown, Ross Fichtner, Bob Gain, Jim Houston, John Brown and Dick Schafrath also took part in the toss.

 

---

Print this story
Report an inappropriate comment

---

In order to comment, you must agree to our user agreement and discussion guidelines.

Need help? Email Us.

---