Pitt-iful: Browns try to end long losing streak at Heinz

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Browns have been pitiful in Pittsburgh — for half a century.

Whether playing in old Three Rivers Stadium or at Heinz Field, with its tricky winds and rowdy, towel-twirling fans, most of Cleveland’s trips down the Turnpike and across the Pennsylvania state line over the past five decades have not ended well.

The Browns are 6-41 in visits to the Steel City since 1970.

That haunted history of failure isn’t scaring Baker Mayfield.

“We are not worried about the past,” said the Browns quarterback, who is dealing with bruised ribs. “We are worried about right now.”

Off to their best start in 26 years, the Browns (4-1) carry a 16-game losing streak into Pittsburgh for Sunday’s matchup against the unbeaten Steelers (4-0), who will be seeing sensational defensive end Myles Garrett in person for the first time since he clobbered quarterback Mason Rudolph over the head with a swung helmet last November.

Garrett’s appearance only adds spice to a rivalry not needing any extra salt. Although it’s been lopsided for a while, there’s plenty of history and bad blood between the cities and their fans.

The Browns are one of the NFL’S surprise teams this season. The

Steelers are, well, the Steelers. They’re 4-0 for the first time since 1979.

Although he’s an absurd 23-2-1 in his career against Cleveland, Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger knows better than to overlook the Browns.

“A lot of those guys — I looked at their roster today, they only have two guys that have 10 years of experience in the league,” Roethlisberger said. “It’s not like these guys have been playing us for years and years and years and worrying about how many times the Steelers have won.

“That’s not what it’s about. It’s a new season, new teams, and they’re a really good football team.”