Losing to Steelers Would be Major Let Down

Coming into the season, a 1-1 record for the Cleveland Browns after the first two weeks is a proposition most would've accepted without a second thought, but after just how effectively the Browns took apart the Cincinnati Bengals to open the season, turning around and losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers would feel like a let down.

Under Kevin Stefanski, the Browns have dominated the Bengals. They have proven to be a terrible matchup for them matching up against their offense and Stefanski has had more success against one of the best defensive coordinators in the league in Lou Anarumo than any other coach in the league.

Even when the Browns had less talent than the Bengals, they were often a stumbling block for them. This year, with a talent advantage, the Browns overwhelmed their instate rival.

It's difficult to unsee that as the Browns get ready to face off against the Steelers on Monday Night Football. That perception is further enhanced by how miserable the Steelers looked at home getting trounced by the San Francisco 49ers, 30-7.

The Steelers aren't as bad as they looked against the 49ers, but there is still room for the Browns to grow. If the Browns can win this game, they will be 2-0 with both wins against the division and a two-game lead over the Steelers. Given just how competitive the AFC is, that's a notable advantage, especially since the Browns stand out as a team that could gain momentum over the course of the season as Deshaun Watson gains confidence.

Even if the Browns win the game, the Steelers can't be counted out at 0-2. The Bengals started 0-2 last year and went to the AFC Championship. There's an element of desperation on their end because they don't want to fall behind and trying to stay afloat while dealing with significant injuries to both Cameron Heyward and Diontae Johnson, but they would have lost to two good football teams in the 49ers and Browns.

The Browns certainly looked the part of a good team with their dominant performance against the Bengals but a win in Pittsburgh, a team any number of prognosticators picked to win the division, would make the Browns difficult to dismiss. With a far more flawed team, these are the types of games the Browns let get away from them each of the last two seasons. Beating the Carolina Panthers only to lose in ridiculous fashion to the New York Jets, then bouncing back to beat the Steelers in primetime, following that up with a disappointing loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

This is an opportunity to build momentum, not only for the team and players that need earned confidence that only winning big games can bring, but also for a fanbase that still has holdouts hesitant to emotionally invest in this team this season. Even for the home opener of the season, there were plenty of Bengals fans that managed to get tickets to the game. If the Browns go on the road and beat the Steelers after throttling the Bengals at home, this fanbase is going to jump on board with both feet and the stadium will be pandemonium when the Titans come to visit week three.

The history and the fact the Browns haven't started a season 2-0 since 1993 is irrelevant. These players don't care nor should they. It's not their baggage. Their entire focus should be on taking advantage of an opportunity to beat another divisional foe, staking a claim as a contender for the division crown as opposed to just hoping to earn a playoff berth. The biproduct of that accomplishment would be announcing themselves as a legitimately good team this year.