Sad news: This will be my last here, Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back Jaylen Warren stated as he announces his departure due to $50 million blockbuster trade….

But given the Browns have dropped 20 straight regular-season road games in Pittsburgh, the chances are not favorable for a Cleveland sweep.

Following the 2020 season, Cleveland did register a victory in Pittsburgh in an AFC wild-card playoff game. But on October 5, 2003, Tim Couch (Browns) and Tommy Maddox (Steelers) were the starting quarterbacks and Cleveland won 33-13, marking the Browns’ last regular-season victory there.

The protracted drought worries Browns coach Kevin Stefanski not at all.

“We are excited about the challenge,” Stefanski remarked. “That’s the fun part of this business — traveling and hoping to get a win.”

While Pittsburgh (9-3) leads the North by 1/12 games over the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland (3-9) is far off from the AFC playoff scene.

The only loss the Steelers have had in the past seven games was a trip through the snow. Last week Pittsburgh recovered with a 44-38 shootout triumph over the home Cincinnati Bengals.

Although the Steelers scored 520 yards in the chaotic battle, Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin was the least one appreciating it.

Seeing his team participating in a game where 82 points were scored infuriated the defensive-minded coach.

“I never feel comfortable planning to shoot out,” Tomlin remarked. “That’s simply my background and experience. To be absolutely honest with you, I appreciate offenses and gifted players, and I acknowledge when we’re presented with tough obstacles; but, it doesn’t imply that I’ll ever be at ease in those situations.

“I have certain expectations because of my professional journey on defense, that I expect us to slow those things down and minimize some of that and the rare instances that we don’t, I’m thankful that we have an offense that’s capable of matching it.”

Against Cincinnati Pittsburgh quarterback Russell Wilson had a season-best 414 passing yards and three touchdowns.

“It gives us a lot of momentum and everything else, but we have to use it for good,” Wilson said of the offensive outburst. “We must be able to reply.”

Cleveland has been scoring more on offense with James Winston at quarterback rather than injured Deshaun Watson (Achilles).

Out of Winston’s five games as starting, the Browns have scored 24 or more points in three. Watson produced the highest output—18.

Monday’s 497 passing yards against the Denver Broncos set Winston a franchise record in a 41-32 road loss. He passed for four touchdowns but also threw three interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns.

“It’s about performing when your team most needs you,” Winston remarked. “I’m going to keep working, I’m going to correct it; I take pride in that. I’m still good, but I will apologies to the lads.

From a mental standpoint, nothing will change; from a physical standpoint, I shall keep working. Particularly in the fourth quarter, where you have to be the greatest, I will be improved.”

With career highs of nine catches and 235 yards, Browns receiver Jerry Jeudy tormented the Broncos — his former club. Star defensive end Myles Garrett is 1.5 away from 100 for his career and had three sacks in his most recent game against Pittsburgh.

Back after three missed games, fellow linebacker Alex Highsmith (ankle) will assist Steelers great T.J. Watt (9.5 sacks). On Wednesday, Highsmith was limited in practice as was receiver Calvin Austin III (concussion).

Wednesday was off for Cleveland for receivers Cedric Tillman (concussion) and Jamari Thrash (shoulder). Also missing practice were offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee), defensive tackle Sam Kamara (concussion) and safety Juan Thornhill (calf).