Deshaun Watson orchestrated a 268‑yard aerial attack that set the stage for Andre Szmyt to nail a career‑long 56‑yard field goal with just ten seconds left on the clock, delivering Cleveland a 27‑24 triumph over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night. Watson, who was 24‑for‑33 through the air with one touchdown and one interception, proved his clutch credentials once again, guiding a decisive fourth‑quarter drive for the third consecutive week.
The Browns, now sitting at 3‑1 for the first time since the 2021 campaign, built an early advantage by taking a 21‑7 lead late in the first half. However, the Steelers answered back, erasing the deficit and forcing a tie at 24‑all. The pivotal moment came when Aaron Rodgers connected with tight end Pat Freiermuth on a three‑yard touchdown pass with 1:44 remaining, and then personally scrambled into the end zone for a two‑point conversion, briefly putting Pittsburgh ahead. Rodgers, who finished 22‑of‑40 for 299 yards, three touchdowns and two picks, had one more opportunity to push the Steelers into field‑goal range.
That chance vanished 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. On the defensive side, Cleveland applied relentless pressure, sacking Rodgers five times throughout the contest. The Browns have now won eight straight Thursday night outings, the longest active streak in the league and the fourth longest in NFL history, with four of those victories coming against their AFC North rivals, the Steelers.
Conversely, Pittsburgh (2‑2) remains winless on the road against AFC North foes on Thursday nights, holding a 0‑10 record in those specific matchups. The game opened with Cleveland quickly going three‑and‑out, after which the Steelers executed a methodical 78‑yard drive spanning 17 plays. The drive culminated in a creative play‑action shovel pass to Wilson, who turned the ball on a jet sweep and gained 12 yards around the left end.
This marked the second straight week that Pittsburgh reached the end zone on its opening possession. Watson’s passing production was notable; he had already thrown for 181 yards by halftime, the most he had accumulated in the first half of a game since joining the Browns in 2022. The Browns’ offense continued to grind out points early, with Jaleel McLaughlin breaking a 28‑yard run for a touchdown that tied the game at 7‑7 with just over a minute left in the first half. McLaughlin’s effort showcased his ability to break tackles, slipping through a narrow gap at the 15‑yard line before crossing the plane.
That drive was set up by a crucial 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, Watson connected with Denzel Boston for a massive 60‑yard strike that placed the ball at the Steelers’ 14‑yard line, setting up a two‑yard touchdown run by Quinshon Judkins off the right guard. The sequence gave Cleveland a 14‑7 lead midway through the second quarter.
Later, Harold Fannin Jr. added his third touchdown in two games, catching a two‑yard pass from Watson on a third‑and‑goal situation with 1:22 left in the half.
The Browns’ offensive output in the second quarter was historic for the franchise, as it was the first time since Week 13 of the 2020 season—when they faced Tennessee—that Cleveland scored at least 21 points in a single quarter. Pittsburgh narrowed the gap before halftime when Boswell drilled a 31‑yard field goal with eight seconds remaining, making it 21‑10.
The Steelers continued their comeback attempt in the fourth quarter, with Rodgers rolling to his right and finding Washington for a 21‑yard touchdown early in the period, trimming the deficit to 21‑16. The subsequent two‑point conversion attempt failed, leaving the game within striking distance. Despite the Steelers’ relentless push, the Browns held firm. After a series of defensive stands, Watson guided the offense downfield, culminating in Szmyt’s 56‑yard field goal that proved to be the game‑winner.
The dramatic finish underscored Cleveland’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Beyond the immediate drama, the game highlighted several broader trends. The Browns’ Thursday night dominance underscores their preparation and execution in a compressed weekly schedule, while the Steelers’ continued struggles on the road against AFC North opponents on Thursdays point to a need for strategic adjustments.
Additionally, Watson’s continued improvement in high‑stakes situations bodes well for his development as a franchise quarterback. Looking ahead, both teams have significant implications for their playoff aspirations. The Browns, riding a strong start, will aim to maintain momentum and secure a top seed in the AFC, whereas the Steelers must address their offensive inconsistencies and defensive lapses to climb out of the middle of the pack. Fans can continue to follow the 2026 NFL season live on Sky Sports, which will broadcast every minute of the playoffs and the upcoming Super Bowl LXI scheduled for Sunday, February 14, 2027.
For those interested in streaming options, Sky Sports offers flexible deals with no‑contract plans via NOW, ensuring that viewers can stay connected to every pivotal moment of the season.