Heyward rebuffs Verse as Steelers and Browns prepare for Sunday rematch

Steelers captain Cameron Heyward has only two bruises to show for the first matchup against the Cleveland Browns this season, but he argues the physical toll was mutual. The two teams played to a 27-24 decision in Week 5, a game that featured more verbal friction than statistical dominance for Browns edge rusher Jared Verse.

Verse recorded just two tackles on the field, one solo and one for a loss. Yet in postgame interviews, he described the Steelers as dirty, claiming the Pittsburgh defenders double-teamed and slid excessively. He told ESPN Cleveland that he had no respect for players who did extra work after the whistle, adding that he could not wait to see them again.

Heyward rejected that characterization on Tuesday during an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show. He questioned whether double-teaming, sliding, and chipping were prohibited by the rules, noting that he had the bruises to prove the contact was real. He stated that the Steelers do not whine about physical play because it is part of the game. Heyward said the words from Verse would be addressed on the field.

The rematch occurs on Sunday with both squads holding a 5-2 record. A victory for Pittsburgh would secure first place in the division heading into next week's bye. The contest marks the second meeting of the season between the two rivals.

Attention on the Steelers' offensive line has shifted to left tackle Troy Fautanu. While his run blocking has remained effective for the past three weeks, his pass protection has faced scrutiny. In the most recent game in Paris, he was assigned responsibility for two sacks, including one by New Orleans Saints defensive end Chase Young.

Former Steelers lineman Trai Essex identified a specific technical flaw in Fautanu's game during a Tuesday appearance on 93.7 The Fan. Essex observed that Fautanu punches too high, leaving his armpit exposed. He noted that opponents like Chase Young study the film to anticipate that high punch, allowing them to drive under the arm and generate pressure. The Steelers currently rank second in the league in yards lost to sacks at 176, behind only the New York Jets at 177.

The rivalry extends beyond the current roster, with retired Browns defensive back Hanford Dixon making bold predictions on The Top Dawgs Show. Dixon claimed the Browns would win regardless of the venue, asserting that Pittsburgh cannot beat Cleveland. He emphasized that the Browns intimidate the Steelers, a claim that sits in contrast to recent history.

The Browns have not swept the series since 1988. Since 2001, Cleveland has secured only two victories in Pittsburgh. Dixon's confidence stands out against that historical backdrop as the two teams prepare for their next clash.

In related news, Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was named the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award winner. The honor recognizes players who demonstrate commitment to community and helping others. Lindor was selected for his work with the SEEN Foundation, Special Olympics Florida, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Lindor also donated to relief efforts in Puerto Rico after Hurricanes Maria and Fiona and contributed more than $1 million to build Lindor Hall at Montverde Academy. The award was originally called the Commissioner's Award before being renamed for Clemente in 1973. The last Pittsburgh Pirate to receive the honor was Andrew McCutchen in 2015.