The Cleveland Browns have won five of their first seven games, all in dramatic fashion, giving their fans a taste of unexpected success. It was an exciting start to the 2026 season, proving the team was well ahead of its time in its rebuild.
Instead of looking at the 2027 NFL draft, there were thoughts of the playoffs. But after the talk, the Browns couldn’t get going against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, clinching first place in the AFC North.
Cleveland legend Hanford Dixon sent a powerful message to Browns fans after the 27-6 loss, telling them not to give up on the team after this one loss.
“Don’t give up on the Browns. I mean, sure, we failed. Don’t give up on them. We’ll be fine. Now if the same thing happens this week in New Orleans, I don’t know, then we’ve got something to talk about. Now, you god*****, don’t give up on us,” Dixon said.
“Don’t give up on the Browns. I mean, sure, we’re down. Now, if the same thing happens this week in New Orleans, I don’t know, then we’ve got something to talk about. Now, damn it, don’t give up on us.” #DawgPound
– @HanfordDixon29 pic.twitter.com/xrY06bLuK9
— BIGPLAY Cleveland (@BIGPLAYcle) November 2, 2026
That may be easier said than done, as the disappointing loss wasn’t just for any team. It was the hated rival Steelers who had no problem forcing Jared Verse to eat his words, embarrassing him during the game and mocking him afterward.
After beating the Steelers 27-24 at Huntington Bank Field in Week 4, fans had to think this would finally be the year the Browns would win a regular season game in Pittsburgh. Instead, that streak grew to 23 games, tying an ugly NFL record.
To make matters worse, the Browns failed to sweep a season series from the Steelers for the first time since 1988. Cleveland also dropped to third in the AFC North after finishing a season in first place for the second time since 1994.
The Browns have given fans plenty of reasons to believe this year will be different, so this weekend hurt even more than it usually does. Still, as Dixon says, there are reasons to remain positive.
Cleveland has one of the easiest remaining schedules in the NFL, and if they can get back on track against the New Orleans Saints, all the good things that seemed out of reach will be possible again.
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