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Steelers Fever Contagious At Home Opener

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Steelers fever was contagious, tailgaters wore their game faces for the home opener against the hated Cleveland Browns.

This year an 0-and-four start is out of the question.

"Definitely to be better than last year," said Steelers fan Bob Steen.

"We won't this year," said Kristin Steen.  "They've learned from last year. I believe these first two wins are big for us."

Cleveland fans were just as optimistic.

"I think we got a good start here," said Browns fan Jordan Bottomly. "Our defense is up. I think we got a lot of potential."

By game time, the cheers reached a fever pitch as the black and gold ran out of the tunnel.

The fandamonium continued, the offense moved the ball at will and Blitzburg returned.

It was a treat for Linda Cooper from Montgomery, Ala.

"I love this game," she said. "This is our first time in the city and we just have a great time."

Leading 27 to 3 at halftime, fans partied in the stands at the Browns' expense.

"You know my favorite saying, 'we like the Browns, easy win,'" said Steelers fan Jerry Huff.

"The defense is always going to play," said Steelers fan Rodney Hatfield. "That's why they only have three right now, they're going to continue to play."

In the second half, the defense disappeared. The Browns scored 24 points to tie the game. But with seconds remaining, the Steelers won with a field goal.

"You take a win," said Steeler fan Bryan Neiderhiser. "You'll take an ugly win. A win's a win, but you got to be worried about them."

On Thursday, the Steelers play arch rival Baltimore. Fans are worried about the defense.

"Four days' rest, the way they played today, nah," said Steelers fan Rick McClelland.

"I think they'll readjust things," said another Steelers fan.

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