Few names loom as large in Steelers lore as Ben “Big Ben” Roethlisberger, and nowhere did he make his mark more emphatically than in the annual grudge matches against the Cleveland Browns. Over the course of his career, Roethlisberger compiled a staggering 26-2-1 record against Cleveland (regular season).
In April 2025, Roethlisberger was talking to ESPN’s Pat McAfee, and in a conversation, Big Ben called out Cleveland, saying, “I know, I pretty much own that city.” In fact, he holds one of the most dominant head-to-head records a quarterback has ever posted against a single opponent. His command in those games became part of the psychological edge Pittsburgh wielded over its division rival.
Given that context, the next contest between Pittsburgh and Cleveland is more than a game. But it’s the continuation of a battle with legacy, pride, and redemption on the line. Each side sees not only a chance at a divisional win, but an opportunity to tip the psychological edge. The Browns, long searching for consistency, will aim to overcome the weight of history. The Steelers will lean on their tradition of physical defense and opportunism.
In a recent statement, Roethlisberger threw down a gauntlet: he called this upcoming Browns game “our second bye in a row” and added, “I don’t foresee a big issue with the Browns.” This sounds more than just confident talk. It’s provocation. It’s also very Roethlisberger. Throughout and after his career, he’s never been shy about reminding Cleveland of its struggles whenever the two clubs cross paths. He’s not alone in wielding rhetorical punches, either. The rivalry has always been laced with verbal jabs, media tension, and motivation taken personally.
A Rivalry That Never Sleeps: Steelers Meet Browns
The Browns–Steelers rivalry has roots stretching back decades. These roots are built on geographic proximity, frequent encounters, and competitive swings. Once Cleveland’s dominance in the early years gave way to Pittsburgh’s rise, the Steelers began to assert control. And statistically, since 1970, the Steelers have won the vast majority of those matchups, per Statmuse.
That kind of sustained success in rivalry games paints him not just as a great quarterback, but one who relished the Browns as a measuring stick. Meanwhile, the Steelers–Browns matchup is one of the AFC’s most storied rivalries. Dating back to 1950, their clashes have carried geographic, cultural, and competitive weight. The teams have tussled over division supremacy for decades, often with momentum swings, dramatic finishes, and lingering grudges.
But talk only goes so far. On the field, what truly matters is how Aaron Rodgers and T.J. Watt‘s units execute, right? The Browns enter the matchup with recurring issues on offense. In past seasons, their passing game has lacked consistency, and their rushing attack, while talented, hasn’t always sustained drives against tough fronts. Turnovers and third-down inefficiency have also bitten them at key moments. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s defense is a unit built to capitalize.
With strong front play, disciplined edges, and experienced linebackers, the Steelers can squeeze passing windows and force mistakes. If Cleveland’s offense stutters or goes stale, Pittsburgh could outscore them simply by controlling field position, flipping short fields through takeaways, and turning defense into offense.
In short, Roethlisberger’s words are meant to get under Cleveland’s skin. But they underscore the real threat: a Steelers defense ready to make Browns Week feel more like a punishment than a rivalry.