The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Cleveland Browns 19-18 in a thrilling Thursday Night Football game. The Browns took an early lead but the Steelers rallied back to win the game in the final minutes.
Game Summary: Steelers vs. Browns
1st Quarter:
- * Steelers got off to a quick start with Alex Highsmith returning an interception for a 30-yard touchdown.
- * The Browns responded with a 43-yard field goal by Dustin Hopkins.
2nd Quarter:
- * Both teams struggled to move the ball, with no significant scoring drives.
- * The half ended with the Steelers leading 7-3.
3rd Quarter:
- * The Steelers extended their lead with another field goal by Chris Boswell.
- * The Browns answered with a touchdown pass from Deshaun Watson to David Njoku.
4th Quarter:
- * The Browns took the lead with a field goal by Dustin Hopkins.
- * The Steelers responded with a field goal by Chris Boswell to tie the game.
- * In the final minutes, the Steelers kicked another field goal to take the lead and ultimately win the game 19-18.
The Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2) and Cleveland Browns (2-8) kicked off Week 12 of the NFL season with a tense "Thursday Night Football" matchup. While the Steelers aimed to extend their five-game winning streak and maintain their lead in the AFC North, the Browns hoped to rebound from back-to-back losses and disrupt their division rival’s momentum. Here's how the action unfolded:
First Quarter: A Defensive Stalemate
The game began in true AFC North fashion, with both teams delivering strong defensive performances. Snowfall and cold temperatures at Huntington Bank Field added to the gritty atmosphere. After 15 minutes, the scoreboard remained blank as the Browns and Steelers struggled to capitalize on early opportunities.
Second Quarter: Field Goals and Momentum Shifts
The Steelers finally broke the deadlock with a 48-yard field goal by Chris Boswell following a 10-play, 89-yard drive. Calvin Austin III’s 46-yard catch-and-run was the highlight of the series, showcasing Pittsburgh’s ability to adapt to adverse weather conditions.
However, Cleveland soon responded. Quarterback Jameis Winston, filling in for the injured Deshaun Watson, orchestrated a methodical 12-play, 80-yard drive. Nick Chubb capped it off with a rushing touchdown, his second of the season, putting the Browns ahead 7-3. The momentum shifted further when Myles Garrett forced a Russell Wilson fumble, allowing Cleveland to convert the turnover into a field goal just before halftime.
Halftime: Browns Lead 10-3
Myles Garrett dominated the first half with three sacks, a forced fumble, and a significant presence on the defensive line. Cleveland’s ability to contain Russell Wilson and capitalize on turnovers gave them a narrow lead heading into the break.
Third Quarter: Turnovers and Missed Opportunities
The Browns opened the second half with a fumble by Cedric Tillman, which Pittsburgh recovered near midfield. However, the Steelers failed to capitalize on the opportunity, turning the ball over on downs after an unsuccessful fourth-and-1 attempt.
The back-and-forth nature of the game continued as the Steelers’ defense held firm, but their offense struggled to break through Cleveland’s resilient defense. Myles Garrett continued to wreak havoc, keeping Pittsburgh's scoring opportunities limited.
Fourth Quarter: A Nail-Biting Finish
As the game entered its final stages, both teams traded defensive stops and field position battles. Cleveland’s Dustin Hopkins added another field goal, extending the Browns' lead to 13-3. With time running out, the Steelers attempted a late rally, but Garrett’s relentless pressure kept Wilson and the offense in check.
Final Score: Browns 13, Steelers 3
Cleveland’s victory was a testament to their defensive dominance and opportunistic play. Myles Garrett’s performance was pivotal, as he single-handedly disrupted Pittsburgh’s offensive rhythm. On the other side, the Steelers’ struggles in the red zone and inability to protect Wilson proved costly.
Looking Ahead
The Browns improved to 3-8 but remain at the bottom of the AFC North. Meanwhile, the Steelers, now 8-3, still hold the division lead but face growing pressure from the Ravens and Bengals. Both teams will look to regroup as they prepare for their next matchups in this fiercely contested division.
Game Stats:
Steelers QB Russell Wilson: 220 passing yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT, 1 fumble lost
Browns QB Jameis Winston: 245 passing yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs
Myles Garrett: 5 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Next Week:
Steelers vs. Bengals (Sunday, 1:00 PM ET)
Browns vs. Broncos (Sunday, 4:05 PM ET)