The Cleveland Browns are feeling themselves. Sitting at 5-2 after a narrow Thursday night victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this season, members of the Browns organization are publicly declaring that the dynamic in the AFC North has shifted.

But as the Steelers prepare to host Cleveland in a high-stakes rematch at Acrisure Stadium, former Pittsburgh champions are forcefully pushing back on the notion that the hierarchy has changed.

Speaking on “The Snap Count,” co-hosts and former Steelers Trai Essex and Charlie Batch highlighted the fiery bulletin board material coming out of Cleveland, including aggressive chatter from pass rusher Jared Verse.

They shared quotes from “Big Play Cleveland” saying, "Man, we've been punching y'all in the mouth since 2020 and y'all still think we little bro."

As well as from Verse, "I don't got no respect for anybody that plays too dirty. So I can't wait to see them again."

While Cleveland feels its recent success earns them equal footing, two-time Super Bowl champion offensive tackle Max Starks slammed the brakes on the "big brother" narrative. Starks pointed out that a hot seven-week start hardly erases decades of divisional dominance and franchise accomplishments.

"I do not [agree], because when's the last time they've won their division?" Starks asked pointedly. "And 50-50 doesn't necessarily mean you go in front of, right? I mean, we've split with them for the last couple of years. So, I'm trying to understand how this is any different than last year."

Starks made it clear that respect in Pittsburgh is earned through hardware, not social media swagger or midseason confidence.

"You go and you pull the brooms out on us, then I will give you that credence," Starks added. "Until that moment, absolutely not. No, you are still the little brother."

With the division crown hanging in the balance, Sunday's showdown will reveal whether Cleveland can back up its talk or if Pittsburgh will once again restore order in the AFC North.