PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : AFC PLAYOFFS : Browns, Steelers Open War of Words

All the Cleveland Browns talked about after losing in Pittsburgh on Dec. 18 was getting another shot at the Steelers, who kept them from winning the AFC Central title by beating them twice.

They get that chance on Saturday in the first Brown-Steeler playoff game in the rivalry’s 45-year history. The war of words has begun.

“I want Pittsburgh bad. We owe them, plain and simple,” Brown defensive end Rob Burnett said. “They’re a good team, but we’re also a good team. We’re going to show them that.”

Said Steeler Coach Bill Cowher: “If they want us, we’re going to be here. We’re not going anywhere. We’ll be here at 12:30 Saturday and we’ll find out.”

The verbal sparring actually started last week, even before the Browns beat the New England Patriots in a wild-card playoff game. Asked who he preferred to play, Steeler tight end Eric Green said, in so many words, who cares?

“Whoever we play, we’re going to beat them anyway,” Green said. “I’ll make this prediction: It’s going to be the Steelers and 49ers in the Super Bowl and somebody’s got to lose, baby.”