JuJu Smith-Schuster: ‘It’s A Lot Of Motivation’ To Knock Browns Out Of Playoffs

What’s a rivalry? The definition might differ from individual to individual, and for a lot of, it requires that the events concerned in stated rivalry characterize a comparatively equal standing, if not typically, then at the least inside the scope of the rivalry itself.

For instance, previous to earlier this season, the Pittsburgh Steelers had crushed the Cincinnati Bengals 11 straight instances. Is {that a} rivalry? They’ve definitely performed from very heated and shut video games inside that span of time.

Throughout the previous decade, the Steelers have a 17-3-1 report in opposition to the Cleveland Browns as nicely, and two of the three video games that the Steelers misplaced had been video games began by Charlie Batch and Mason Rudolph. Is that this a rivalry?

It received’t matter on Sunday when the 2 groups play one another. Whether or not it’s a rivalry or not by anyone’s particular requirements, they are going to be two opponents who’re very accustomed to each other, typically have respect for each other, but additionally have some unhealthy blood—and need to see the opposite crew lose.

“It’s a lot of motivation. I think for a lot of us, it’s more so being an AFC North division team, and knocking them out of the playoffs”, Steelers extensive receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster stated about doubtlessly being motivated to win as a result of they’ll play a task in making certain that Cleveland doesn’t attain the postseason this 12 months.

“Clearly, we need to exit and win each sport, however our mindset’s to go in right here, win the sport, and go dwelling”, he continued. “However they’re a superb crew, so I can’t wait to see what they’ll do, and what we will do to Cleveland”.

Regardless of the obvious main strides that the Browns had made this 12 months—their 10 wins are already greater than they’ve had in any season in over a decade—the Steelers nonetheless made them appear like the child brother after they performed earlier this 12 months, in a dominant 38-7 victory.

Cleveland insists that they’ve develop into a greater crew since then (and may have Professional Bowl operating again Nick Chubb accessible this time), whereas the Steelers determine to be resting quite a lot of starters. This one may even be performed in Cleveland, reasonably than Pittsburgh.

However those that swimsuit up for the Steelers will nonetheless have each motivation to win, and to beat the Browns particularly. The primary precedence of each season is to win your division, and that begins with profitable the video games in opposition to your divisional opponents. They already let one slip in opposition to the Bengals. Regardless that they don’t have a lot to play for, AFC North bragging rights are all the time up for grabs.