Intra-division hate is alive and well in the AFC North. Following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 27-6 win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 8, Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker had quite a bit to say about a few of his opponents.
The first person at which Brisker took aim was Browns defensive end Jared Verse, who called the Steelers’ offensive line “dirty” after an October win over the team. At the time, Verse said he couldn’t wait to face the Steelers again and “get my hands on them again.”
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In his rematch with the team, Verse was held to just one tackle, something Brisker called out after the contest.
Brisker added, “[Verse has] gotta look at himself in the mirror and get better.”
Verse was asked about his previous comments after Sunday’s game, and said he would still stand by them.
The next person to catch Brisker’s ire was Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. Brisker, in particular, took issue with a roughing the passer penalty he was assessed on the Browns’ opening offensive drive.
Brisker accused Watson of whining for a play call before saying, “He had his binky today.”
It was not a fun day for the quarterback. Though he threw for over 300 yards, Watson took eight sacks in the loss. The Steelers’ defense put immense pressure on him all game.
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Brisker wasn’t responsible for any of those sacks, though did finish the game with seven tackles, good for third on the team’s defense.
The 27-year-old safety is in his first season with the Steelers after starting his career with the Chicago Bears. He’s acquitted himself well so far, picking up 51 tackles and one interception through eight games.
More importantly, Brisker clearly understands the dynamics of the rough and tumble AFC North, especially the rivalry between the Browns and Steelers.
