Browns' Jared Verse vows to make Pittsburgh theirs

Cleveland Browns defensive end Jared Verse maintained his confidence in his team's ability to dominate the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday. He addressed remarks he made in early October, which have resurfaced as the two teams prepare to meet inside Acrisure Stadium on Sunday. Verse stated that he is ready to play with physicality and does not intend to alter his approach to the rivalry game.

The Browns defeated the Steelers 27 to 24 in Week 4 of the season. Following that victory, Verse commented on the Steelers' defensive strategy in the locker room. He said he criticized the opposing team for using techniques such as double-teaming and sliding. Verse added that he had little respect for players who he felt played too dirty or added unnecessary physicality after the play was over.

Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward responded to Verse's comments on The Rich Eisen Show on Tuesday. Heyward questioned whether double-teaming, sliding, and chipping are not permitted in the game. He noted that he has bruises to prove the physical nature of the contests between the two teams. Heyward said the Steelers do not whine about the style of play and that the upcoming game would be fun because both teams are in position to make an impact in the division.

Heyward also suggested that the AFC North rivalry was intense. He expressed that he was glad to be in the thick of the competition. He stated that the words spoken by Verse and the Browns would be addressed during the game. The comments have added to the tension between the two franchises as they prepare for their second meeting of the season.

Verse was asked about Heyward's response on Thursday. He said he is the same player he has always been and is going into the game ready to dominate. He mentioned that he has been waiting for this matchup for some time. Verse said he is ready to put hands on the opposing players and keep the game simple. He stated that he is not worried about Cam Heyward or the Steelers offensive line. He declared that the Browns are out there to dominate and that they are about to make Pittsburgh theirs on Sunday.

This matchup represents a new dynamic for the Browns roster. Verse was traded to Cleveland this offseason and is experiencing this specific rivalry iteration for the first time. Several rookies on the Browns team are also getting their first taste of the long-standing animosity between the two franchises. The players are learning about the history and the emotional weight the rivalry carries for Cleveland fans.

Rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion said he recently learned that Steelers fans do not like Browns fans. He acknowledged that the rivalry has been going on for many years. Concepcion said he is trying to do everything possible to elevate the Browns team. His teammate, rookie receiver Denzel Boston, said he has seen that the rivalry means a lot to the city. Boston noted that he had conversations about the Browns losing 22 regular-season games in a row in Pittsburgh. He said the team is not focusing on those statistics and is instead focused on playing their best football.

The Browns are looking to secure their first regular-season win in Pittsburgh since 2003. The team is aiming to snap a 22-game regular-season losing streak in that venue. Linebacker Carson Schwesinger said he has played in Pittsburgh once and finds the environment to be one that loves football. He said that when a divisional game presents itself, the players look forward to competing. The game is scheduled to take place on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium.