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Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker (3) walks the sideline during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Oct. 11. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
The Cleveland Browns chose to take the opening kickoff in Pittsburgh on Sunday, a gesture that did not sit well with Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker.
For a week filled with storylines, AFC North implications, viral trash talk and the Browns playing Renegade at practice to prepare for the game, it should come as no surprise the opening kickoff added to the stir.
“I think them taking the ball was kind of disrespectful, especially with us being at home,” Brisker said to Bo Marchionte of College2Pro after the Steelers 27-6 victory.
The Steelers’ response set the mood for the afternoon. The Browns received the ball on their own 27-yardline for the opening drive. A 4-yard Quinshon Judkins rush proved to be the pinnacle of their first try on offense.
On just their second series, Harold Fannin Jr. caught a short pass in the flat before it was punched out for a fumble by a barrage of oncoming Steelers.
As it turns out, trying to make a statement with an opening drive score was not beneficial for the Browns’ chances.
“It kind of turned us up,” Brisker said.
Brisker himself totaled seven tackles as part of Pittsburgh’s dominant defensive effort. On the way to allowing just six points, the Steelers held Cleveland to 34 rushing yards while racking up eight sacks.
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt in a game against the Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 11, 2026. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Seven Steelers defenders recorded at least a half sack and T.J. Watt led the pack with two.
The Browns’ decision to take the opening kickoff only added fuel to a fire stoked with bulletin board material leading up to the game.
“We’re about to make Pittsburgh ours on Sunday,” Browns edge rusher Jared Verse said during a rant that only gained popularity after the Steelers’ beatdown of Cleveland.
It may never be possible to statistically quantify how emotional motivation relates to a team’s success, but it surely did not hurt the Steelers on Sunday.
“You know, some walk, some talk,” Jaylen Warren said following the 21-point win.
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