Deshaun Watson orchestrated a 268-yard aerial attack that positioned the Cleveland Browns for Andre Szmyt's career‑long 56‑yard field goal with just ten seconds left on the clock, sealing a 27‑24 triumph over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night. Watson, who completed 24 of 33 attempts, throwing one touchdown and one interception, was especially efficient in the decisive fourth‑quarter drive, going four‑for‑five for 46 yards and delivering the go‑ahead score for the third consecutive week.
The Browns, now boasting a 3‑1 record for the first time since the 2021 campaign, had built a 21‑7 advantage late in the first half before the Steelers rallied to knot the game at 24‑all. In the closing moments of the third quarter, Pittsburgh’s quarterback Aaron Rodgers connected with tight end Pat Freiermuth on a three‑yard touchdown pass with 1:44 remaining, and then scrambled into the end zone for a successful two‑point conversion, narrowing the deficit.
Rodgers, who finished 22‑of‑40 for 299 yards, three touchdowns and two picks, earned one more opportunity to drive the Steelers into field‑goal range. However, his final pass was intercepted by Browns defensive back Grant Delpit at the Cleveland 18‑yard line with only one second remaining, extinguishing any chance of a comeback. Pittsburgh’s ground game featured Jaylen Warren, who amassed 93 rushing yards on 17 carries, while wide receiver DK Metcalf hauled in five receptions for 115 yards.
Cleveland’s defense made a statement, sacking Rodgers five times throughout the contest. The victory extended Cleveland’s streak of Thursday night wins to eight straight—a record‑setting run that ranks as the longest active streak in the league and the fourth longest in NFL history. Four of those victories have come against the Steelers. Meanwhile, the Steelers (2‑2) remain winless on the road against AFC North foes on Thursday nights, holding an 0‑10 record in those matchups.
The game opened with Cleveland failing to convert on its first drive, going three‑and‑out. Pittsburgh responded with a 78‑yard, 17‑play drive highlighted by quarterback Wilson’s shovel pass on a jet sweep that gained 12 yards around the left end.
This marked the second consecutive game in which the Steelers reached the end zone on their opening possession. Watson’s passing production was notable; he had accumulated 181 yards by halftime, the most he had thrown in the first half of a game since joining the Browns in 2022.
The Browns’ offense found balance early when Jaleel McLaughlin tied the score at 7‑7 with a 28‑yard sprint around the right side of the line, breaking two tackles at the 22‑yard line and slipping through a narrow gap at the 15‑yard line to cross the plane. That drive was set up after defensive back Denzel Ward intercepted a Rodgers pass intended for Michael Pittman Jr. at Cleveland’s 44‑yard line on the second play of the second quarter.
Shortly thereafter, Quinshon Judkins punched in a two‑yard touchdown run off the right guard, giving Cleveland a 14‑7 lead. The score came three plays after Watson found Denzel Boston for a 60‑yard strike that placed the ball at the Steelers’ 14‑yard line to start the drive. Harold Fannin Jr.
added another score, catching a two‑yard pass from Watson on third‑and‑goal with 1:22 left in the half, marking his third touchdown in just two games. This was the first occasion since Week 13 of the 2020 season, when the Browns 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 remaining before halftime.
Early in the fourth quarter, Rodgers rolled to his right and found Washington for a 21‑yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 21‑16; the subsequent two‑point attempt failed. The Steelers continued to press, eventually tying the game at 24‑24, but the Browns’ final drive, anchored by Watson’s poise, set up Szmyt’s clutch 56‑yard field goal as time expired.
The dramatic finish underscored Cleveland’s resilience and ability to execute under pressure. Beyond the on‑field action, the matchup highlighted the broader narrative of Thursday night football, with Cleveland establishing itself as the premier team in that slot. Their eight‑game streak eclipses any other active run and cements their reputation for thriving in the spotlight of primetime mid‑week games.
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