The Cleveland Browns just snatched a massive 27-24 victory at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night, moving to a sweet 3-1 record on the season! But what everyone’s buzzing about isn’t just the win, it’s what defensive end Jared Verse dropped in his postgame presser. This dude didn’t hold back, declaring, “This ain’t the old Browns. It’s got new swag. We’re a lot more aggressive. We’re getting after it a lot more. This is something different here. We’re going to make this whole city rock.” And after seeing that game, you gotta believe him.
This Ain’t Your Daddy’s Browns D, and Verse Isn’t Here For Pittsburgh’s BS
That defense was absolutely relentless, feasting on Aaron Rodgers and sacking him five times! Defensive ends Isaiah McGuire, Adin Huntington, and Sam Williams, along with defensive tackles Maliek Collins and Mike Hall Jr., were all in on the action. Verse himself racked up two combined tackles, including one for a loss, even if a sack wasn’t in his stat line for this game. But the pressure was constant. Then there were the clutch takeaways: Denzel Ward grabbed an interception in the second quarter, and Grant Delpit sealed it with another pick in the fourth. And don’t even get me started on Carson Schwesinger, the 2025 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, who led the team with nine combined tackles in the game and has a team-high 35 combined tackles this season. These guys are hitting hard, averaging three sacks per game with 12 total, even with second-year defensive tackle Mason Graham, who has a team-high four sacks, leaving the game early with a knee injury.
But the real fireworks came when Verse started talking about the Steelers directly. “They were talking crazy. I was telling them, ‘Y’all double-teaming and sliding and you’re garbage.’ I don’t have respect for anybody that plays too dirty and does too much extra s— after the game,” Verse blasted. Talk about calling it like it is! This dude, who’s in his first season with the Browns after coming over from the Rams in the Myles Garrett trade and was a Pro Bowler in his first two seasons, is bringing a whole new level of fire to Cleveland. Even though he’s only got 10 combined tackles and no sacks through the first four games this season, his attitude is infectious. He’s a third-year player, drafted 19th overall in 2024, and last year he put up 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and 58 combined tackles. You know he’s going to find his rhythm, and when he does, watch out.
Watson Delivers The Dagger
It wasn’t just the defense; the offense showed up when it mattered most. Deshaun Watson, who’s rocking a 101.2 passer rating and a 69.6% completion percentage overall, threw for 268 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He completed 72.7% of his passes, going 24 of 33, and he got them into position for the absolute dagger. We’re talking Andre Szmyt knocking through a game-winning, 56-yard field goal with only 10 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Are you kidding me? That’s ice in his veins right there! On the ground, the Browns also got it done, rushing for a combined 112 yards and two touchdowns on 4.1 yards per carry. This team is finding ways to win, gritty, tough wins.
Rematch on the Horizon!
Verse wasn’t done with the Steelers, though. He made it clear, “I can’t wait to see them again. It’s going to be a great time when I see them again.” Guess what? He won’t have to wait long. The Browns and the Steelers are set to square off again in Pittsburgh on November 1. You know that game is going to be absolutely electric. With the Browns at 3-1 and the bad blood already boiling over, mark your calendars because this rivalry just got a whole lot spicier!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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