Deshaun Watson orchestrated a 268‑yard aerial attack that set the stage for Andre Szmyt’s career‑long 56‑yard field goal with just ten seconds left on the clock, clinching a 27‑24 triumph for Cleveland over Pittsburgh on Thursday night. Watson, who finished 24 of 33 for one touchdown and one interception, delivered a clutch fourth‑quarter drive, completing four of five passes for 46 yards, marking his third consecutive week of leading a go‑ahead series in the final period. The Browns entered the contest with a 3‑1 record – their best start since the 2021 campaign – after building a 21‑7 advantage late in the first half.
The Steelers, however, rallied before halftime, tying the game at 24‑all. Aaron Rodgers connected with tight end Pat Freiermuth on a three‑yard touchdown pass with 1:44 remaining in the half and then personally scrambled for the two‑point conversion, narrowing the gap and injecting momentum into Pittsburgh’s offense. Rodgers, who posted a 22‑of‑40, 299‑yard performance with three touchdowns and two picks, earned one last opportunity to push the Steelers into field‑goal range. That chance evaporated when Grant Delpit intercepted his pass at the Browns’ 18‑yard line with only one second left on the clock, sealing Cleveland’s win.
Pittsburgh’s ground game was anchored by Jaylen Warren, who amassed 93 rushing yards on 17 carries, while wide receiver DK Metcalf contributed five receptions for 115 yards. Cleveland’s defense made a statement, sacking Rodgers five times and consistently applying pressure throughout the game. The victory extended Cleveland’s streak of Thursday night wins to eight straight contests – the longest active run in the league and the fourth longest in NFL history – with four of those triumphs coming against the Steelers. Conversely, the Steelers (2‑2) have now gone 0‑10 on the road against AFC North opponents on Thursday nights.
The game’s opening series saw the Browns go three‑and‑out, after which the Steelers responded with a methodical 78‑yard drive spanning 17 plays. The drive culminated in a shovel pass to Wilson, who turned a jet‑sweep into a 12‑yard gain around the left end. This marked the second consecutive week that Pittsburgh reached the end zone on its opening possession.
Watson’s passing production was notable; he had already accumulated 181 yards through the first half, the most he had thrown in a single half since joining the Browns in 2022. The Browns’ first score came when Jaleel McLaughlin broke a 28‑yard run for a touchdown, tying the game at 7‑7 with just over a minute left in the first half.
McLaughlin’s effort featured a pair of broken tackles at the 22‑yard line and a narrow gap he exploited at the 15‑yard line before crossing the plane. That drive was set up by a pivotal turnover: Denzel Ward intercepted a Rodgers pass intended for Michael Pittman Jr.
at the Browns’ 44‑yard line on the second play of the second quarter. Capitalizing on the turnover, Cleveland struck again midway through the second quarter when Quinshon Judkins powered in a two‑yard touchdown run off the right guard. The score arrived three plays after Watson delivered a 60‑yard strike to Denzel Boston, who advanced the ball to the Steelers’ 14‑yard line to start the drive.
Later, Harold Fannin Jr. added his third touchdown in two games, catching a two‑yard pass from Watson on third‑and‑goal with 1:22 left in the half. The Browns’ offensive explosion in the second quarter was historic; it was the first time since Week 13 of the 2020 season, when they faced Tennessee, that Cleveland posted at least 21 points in a single quarter.
Pittsburgh managed to get within 21‑10 when Boswell nailed a 31‑yard field goal with eight seconds left before halftime. In the fourth quarter, Rodgers rolled to his right and found Washington for a 21‑yard touchdown, pulling the Steelers within five points at 21‑16.
The two‑point conversion attempt failed, but the Steelers continued to fight, eventually tying the game at 24‑24. With the game hanging in the balance, Watson guided the Browns down the field, setting up Szmyt’s 56‑yard field goal that sailed through the uprights with ten seconds remaining, securing the 27‑24 victory. The win not only highlighted Cleveland’s resilience but also underscored their ability to execute under pressure, especially in the closing moments of tightly contested Thursday night matchups. Looking ahead, fans can continue to follow the 2026 NFL season live on Sky Sports, which will broadcast every playoff game and the Super Bowl LXI on Sunday, February 14, 2027.
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