Steelers-Browns Rematch: Heyward Disputes 'Dirty' Claims; Fautanu Technique Under Scrutiny

Steelers captain Cam Heyward rejected the notion that his team played dirty in its 27-24 loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 5.

The comments follow a heated exchange in the locker room where Browns defensive end Jared Verse criticized Pittsburgh's style of play. Verse, who recorded one solo tackle and one tackle for loss in that contest, told ESPN Cleveland that the Steelers were "talking crazy" and engaging in "garbage" tactics such as double teaming and sliding.

On Tuesday's Rich Eisen Show, Heyward responded directly to those remarks ahead of Sunday's rematch. He questioned whether the specific moves Verse cited are illegal in football. "Double teaming, sliding, chipping. Are those not allowed in our game?" Heyward asked. He noted that he has the bruises to prove the physicality of the game but emphasized that the team does not complain about it. Both teams enter the Sunday matchup with identical 5-2 records. A victory for Pittsburgh would secure first place in the division heading into the following week's bye.

Attention is also turning to the Steelers' offensive line, specifically left tackle Troy Fautanu. While Fautanu has performed well in run blocking over the last three weeks, pass protection has become a focal point. In the most recent game in Paris, he was assigned responsibility for two sacks taken by New Orleans Saints defensive end Chase Young.

Former Steelers lineman Trai Essex offered technical analysis on 93.7 The Fan, arguing that Fautanu's fundamentals need adjustment. Essex stated that Fautanu punches too high during pass protection. He explained that Young watched film on Fautanu and timed his rush to slip under the high punch, driving the lineman backward. The Steelers currently rank second in the league in yards lost to sacks at 176, trailing only the New York Jets with 177.

In Cleveland, retired Browns defensive back Hanford Dixon predicted a victory for his former team on The Top Dawgs Show. Dixon claimed the Browns intimidate Pittsburgh and stated that the Steelers cannot beat them regardless of the location. "I don't give a damn what anybody says, the Steelers can't beat us," Dixon said. He noted that the Browns have not swept the series against Pittsburgh since 1988 and have just two wins in Pittsburgh since 2001.

In other sports news, New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was named the winner of the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award. The honor recognizes players who demonstrate commitment to community service. Lindor was selected for his work with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, the SEEN Foundation, Special Olympics Florida, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. He also contributed to relief efforts in Puerto Rico following Hurricanes Maria and Fiona. Lindor donated more than $1 million to build Lindor Hall at Montverde Academy, the school he attended. The last Pittsburgh Pirate to receive the award was Andrew McCutchen in 2015.