Steelers Deploy Dog Trolls After Browns Loss
Pittsburgh outscored Cleveland 27-6 and used social media to mock the Browns' Dawg Pound identity following a defensive victory.
By Jack Weber ·
The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Cleveland Browns 27-6 on Sunday, capping a dominant defensive performance with a series of social media posts aimed at Cleveland's dog-themed branding. The victory secured a strong showing for the Steelers, who sacked Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson eight times and forced two turnovers. The team also controlled the running game, accumulating 200 total yards on the ground. Jaylen Warren rushed for 143 yards, while Rico Dowdle added 56 yards.
The rivalry between the two AFC North teams has long featured playful jabs, and this week's exchange centered on the Browns' famous Dawg Pound fan section. The Steelers shared an image of a car's reverse camera displaying a smiling dog. The post included the caption 'ruh roh,' suggesting the team was reversing into the dog. Other posts featured dogs wearing Steelers gear. The primary image referenced a scene from the 2025 film 'Sinners,' specifically a moment where the character Stack, played by Michael B. Jordan, reacts to Sammie playing guitar. In the Steelers' version, the character reacts to the final scoreboard.
This exchange is part of a wider trend of post-game trolling in the NFL. The Buffalo Bills beat the Baltimore Ravens at home in a decisive win. Buffalo outgained Baltimore 426 yards to 144 and averaged 5.6 yards per play. The Ravens' offense stalled after in-game injuries to quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley. Third-string quarterback Joe Fagnano entered early in the second quarter. The Bills responded to the loss with a post showing Old Bay seasoning, a Baltimore staple, spelled out as 'Bills Win.'
The Las Vegas Raiders ended a four-game losing streak with a road victory over the New York Jets. The game remained close until late in the fourth quarter, when Las Vegas extended its lead by five points with 27 seconds remaining. The Raiders then intercepted a pass from Jets quarterback Geno Smith to secure the win. The team followed up with a simple graphic that played on the Jets' aviation theme, stating they were cleared for victory.
In Los Angeles, the Rams defeated the Chargers in a local rivalry matchup. The Rams trailed 9-3 with 1:55 left in the first half but kept the Chargers scoreless in the second half. They picked off two passes from Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, both of which resulted in points for the Rams. After the final whistle, the Rams mocked the Chargers' lightning bolt logo. They shared an image of their mascot, Rampage, holding a lightning bolt with the caption 'finders keepers.'
These exchanges highlight the competitive spirit and fan engagement that define modern NFL matchups. Teams use social media platforms to extend the narrative of the game beyond the final whistle, often targeting specific symbols or mascots of their opponents. The Steelers' use of a cinematic reference adds a layer of cultural crossover to the traditional sports rivalry. Each post is designed to be shared quickly and widely, reinforcing the team's identity and the opponent's defeat in the minds of fans nationwide.
The week's schedule for these teams is already set. The Steelers will look to maintain their defensive momentum, while the Browns aim to regroup after the lopsided loss. The Bills and Ravens will prepare for their next divisional clash, and the Raiders will seek to build on their recent turnaround. The Rams and Chargers will continue their local battle, with the lightning bolt imagery likely to resurface in future promotional materials.
