Both the Steelers and Browns had equal records through the first five games of 1979. When they collided on October 7, Pittsburgh had the upper hand. They had lost to Cleveland only once since 1974. Ths defending Super Bowl champions took a huge lead, but nearly gave it away. Brian Sipe quarterbacked the Browns back into contention in the second half. Still, the Steelers showed their strengths, beating the Browns for the fifth straight time, 51-35.