BEREA, Ohio – Browns coach Mike Pettine wants his team to revive its lopsided rivalry with the Steelers.
The Browns open their season against the Steelers on Sunday.
Cleveland has gone just 5-26 against Pittsburgh since 1999, an alarming imbalance Pettine pointed out to his team during a meeting earlier this week.
Pettine put up a slide that said: “Rivalry?” so his players understood how lopsided the matchup has been.
Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer grew up in Cleveland and understands the rivalry better than most teammates. Hoyer, though, said he has to remove the Browns fan in him when he plays the Steelers. Hoyer also knows how much “Steelers Week” means to Cleveland fans and believes the hatred will never fade.
Linebacker Jabaal Sheard says it’s time for the Browns to “take that role of the bully.”
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A person familiar with Josh Gordon’s plans says the Browns’ suspended Pro Bowl wide receiver will work for a car dealership while serving his NFL punishment.
Gordon was suspended for another violation of the league’s substance abuse policy last week. In the interim, he’ll work for the dealership, said the person who spoke Thursday to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.
While he’s suspended, Gordon is not permitted to practice or attend team meetings. The league said his eligibility for reinstatement will be determined after the season.