NFL

Steelers in command of Browns, last playoff spot

By wire services
Published December 25, 2005

CLEVELAND - The Steelers were the worst possible kind of out-of-town guests: unruly, unkind and unrelenting.

Dominating from the moment they took the field, the Steelers overwhelmed the Browns, improving their AFC playoff chances while embarrassing a rival.

Ben Roethlisberger threw a touchdown, Willie Parker had an 80-yard scoring run and the Steelers thrashed rookie quarterback Charlie Frye - and a foolish fan - in their lopsided win.

"We made a statement," said linebacker James Harrison, who blocked a punt and bodyslammed a Browns fan who ventured on the field. " ... But winning and going to the playoffs is our goal."

And that's what they'll get if the Steelers play like they did for 60 minutes. Pittsburgh can clinch a playoff spot Jan. 1 with a win over Detroit at home.

Pittsburgh outgained Cleveland 457-178 and sacked Frye eight times.

NOTABLE: Parker finished with 17 carries for 130 yards, giving him 1,067 this season and making him the first Steelers other than Jerome Bettis to rush for more than 1,000 yards since 1992.

[Last modified December 24, 2005, 23:43:13]