The Browns make their way to Three Rivers Stadium as the Steelers are in position to sweep this always-intense rivalry for the third consecutive time.

On opening night (ESPN) at Cleveland (Week 1), Steelers QB Kordell Stewart ran for a score and threw for another and the Browns' offense managed just 40 total yards as Bill Cowher's club welcomed Cleveland back into the league by handing them a 43-0 loss.

While the Browns still own a 52-42 overall advantage in this setting (including playoffs), the Steelers have now prevailed in the last seven meetings dating back the clubs' second encounter in 1993, which includes a 29-9 triumph in the 1994 AFC Divisional Playoffs at Pittsburgh in the lone postseason encounter between these franchises.

Including playoffs, the Browns have dropped seven straight at Pittsburgh (1990-95) and are just 4-23 lifetime at Three Rivers Stadium dating back to 1970, their last appearance in the Steel City resulting in a 20-3 Monday night loss in 1995

Numbers: The Browns were limited to 40 total yards and two first downs (minus-7 total yards and 0 first downs in the second half) in their 43-0 loss to Pittsburgh in Week 1, committing four turnovers, running 28 plays from scrimmage and holding the ball for just 12:11. The Browns rushed for just nine yards on nine attempts and allowed three sacks. They have been limited to fewer than 300 total yards in each of their first nine games in '99. The Browns have allowed 200 or more yards rushing in three straight games and 5-of-9 contests in '99. They have forced five turnovers in one win but have totaled just seven takeaways in eight losses in '99. Cleveland has been limited to fewer than 100 yards rushing in three straight games.

The Steelers' defense has allowed just seven offensive touchdowns in their first eight games in '99, while their offense (1) and special teams (1) have allowed two touchdowns and given up three safeties. They have limited the opposition to nine or fewer points in three straight games. The Steelers have allowed 38 points in five wins, 70 points in three losses in '99. In their last 67 home games (1992-99), including eight playoff contests, the Steelers have rushed for 9,568 yards (142.8 YPG rushing), have 37 100-yard individual rushing performances (16 by RB Jerome Bettis, 15 by since-departed RB Barry Foster) and compiled a 51-16 record in those contests. Since 1996 (including playoffs), the Steelers are 27-4 when limiting the opposition to 17 or fewer points, 8-21 when giving up more than 17 points. They have allowed just 127 points in 12 wins (15 or fewer points in 10 of those contests) while giving up 284 points in 12 losses dating back to '98. Pittsburgh has totaled 17 sacks in five wins, four sacks in three losses in '99.

Things to look for: Last week's grudge match with the Ravens turned out to be a big disappointment, and this revenge tilt could be equally lopsided if the Cleveland defense continues its shoddy play against the run. Steelers' QB Kordell Stewart may not be putting up big numbers, but is beginning to get a little more comfortable with Kevin Gilbride's offense and isn't making mistakes, which may be enough.

Etc.: The Steelers have won three straight games. They are 37-18 vs. AFC Central teams under head coach Bill Cowher (including 1-0 in playoffs).