Browns 5 Most All-Time Memorable Wins Against the Steelers

4. Browns 30, Steelers 17, Nov. 1, 1964 at Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh had stymied the potent Browns offense in the teams’ previous two meetings. The Browns lost to the Steelers 9-7 in the ninth game of the 1963 campaign, a costly setback as Cleveland would finish a game behind the New York Giants in the East Division standings. Then, in Game 5 of this 1964 season, Pittsburgh posted a 23-7 victory at Cleveland Stadium.

The running of Jim Brown and Ernie Green turned things around for the Browns in this game, though. Brown rushed for 149 yards in 23 carries — including 120 yards on 12 second-half runs — and caught five passes for 37 yards. Green had 17 carries for 86 yards.

Brown became the first player in NFL history to surpass 10,000 career rushing yards, boosting his total to 10,135.

Frank Ryan was 15-of-28 passing for 179 yards. His 25-yard touchdown pass to Clifton McNeil helped the Browns to a 10-0 lead but Pittsburgh rallied to a 10-10 halftime tie. Green’s 7-yard touchdown run and two Lou Groza field goals had Cleveland ahead 23-10 but a Steelers touchdown closed the gap to 23-17 with about six minutes left. The Browns then went on a 73-yard drive on eight running plays, ending it with Green’s 13-yard scoring scamper.

Johnny Brewer led Cleveland receivers with four catches for 67 yards. Safety Larry Benz keyed the Browns defense with two interceptions.

The win made the Browns 6-1-1. Every victory would prove crucial, as Cleveland finished 10-3-1, just ahead of the 9-3-2 St. Louis Cardinals for the East Division title. The Browns then upset the Baltimore Colts 27-0 in the NFL championship game.

Pittsburgh became 3-5 on its way to a 5-9 record.

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