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, clinching a 27‑24 triumph for Cleveland over Pittsburgh on Thursday night. Watson, who was efficient with 24 completions on 33 attempts, threw for one touchdown and one interception, and he was especially sharp in the decisive fourth‑quarter drive, completing four of five passes for 46 yards, marking his third consecutive week of leading a go‑ahead series. The Browns entered the contest with a 3‑1 record—their best start since the 2021 season—and built an early advantage, holding a 21‑7 lead late in the first half. The Steelers, however, rallied before halftime, narrowing the gap and eventually tying the game at 24‑all.
A pivotal moment arrived when Aaron Rodgers delivered a three‑yard touchdown pass to tight end Pat Freiermuth with 1:44 remaining in the fourth quarter, followed by a successful two‑point conversion run, which briefly gave Pittsburgh the edge. Rodgers finished the night completing 22 of 40 attempts for 299 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He had one final opportunity to drive the Steelers into field‑goal range, but Grant Delpit intercepted his pass at the Browns’ 18‑yard line with just one second remaining, sealing the victory for Cleveland.
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 proved relentless, registering five sacks on Rodgers and consistently pressuring the Steelers throughout the game.
The win extended Cleveland’s streak of Thursday night victories to eight straight, the longest active run in the league and the fourth longest in NFL history, with four of those wins coming against the Steelers. Conversely, the Steelers fell to 0‑10 on the road against AFC North rivals on Thursday nights, slipping to a 2‑2 overall record. After the Browns went three‑and‑out on their opening drive, the Steelers responded with a 78‑yard march over 17 plays, highlighted by a 12‑yard shovel pass to Wilson on a jet sweep that reached the left sideline. This marked the second consecutive game in which Pittsburgh scored on its initial possession.
Watson’s passing total of 181 yards by halftime represented his highest output in the first half of a game since he joined Cleveland in 2022. The Browns’ offense continued to click in the second quarter when Jaleel McLaughlin broke a 28‑yard run for a touchdown, tying the score at 7‑7 with just over twelve minutes left in the half. McLaughlin evaded two tacklers at the 22‑yard line and slipped through a narrow gap at the 15‑yard line before crossing the plane.
That drive was set up after Browns cornerback Denzel Ward intercepted a Rodgers pass intended for Michael Pittman Jr. at the Cleveland 44‑yard line on the second play of the second quarter. A few plays later, Watson connected with Denzel Boston on a 60‑yard strike that placed the ball at the Steelers’ 14‑yard line, paving the way for Quinshon Judkins to punch it in from two yards out, giving Cleveland a 14‑7 lead. Harold Fannin Jr.
added his third touchdown in two games on a two‑yard pass from Watson on a third‑and‑goal play with 1:22 left in the half, extending the lead to 21‑7. This marked the first time since Week 13 of the 2020 season, when the Browns faced Tennessee, that Cleveland scored 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.
Early in the fourth quarter, Rodgers rolled to his right and found Washington for a 21‑yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 21‑16; however, the two‑point conversion attempt failed. The Steelers continued to battle, eventually tying the game at 24‑24, but the Browns’ composure in the final moments proved decisive. With ten seconds left, Szmyt’s 56‑yard field goal sailed through the uprights, delivering a dramatic finish and preserving Cleveland’s unbeaten Thursday night record.
Statistically, the Browns dominated the line of scrimmage, sacking Rodgers five times and limiting Pittsburgh’s rushing attack to under 100 yards. Watson’s balanced attack—combining precise short passes with occasional deep throws—kept the Steelers’ defense off balance, while the Browns’ secondary forced multiple turnovers that shifted momentum. Beyond the numbers, the game highlighted Cleveland’s resilience and ability to execute under pressure. After surrendering a lead and facing a late comeback, the Browns maintained discipline, methodically moving the ball downfield and trusting their veteran kicker in a high‑stakes situation.
The victory also underscored the importance of special teams; Szmyt’s long‑range field goal not only secured the win but also cemented his place in Browns lore as a clutch performer. Looking ahead, the Browns will aim to build on this momentum as they continue their quest for a playoff berth, while the Steelers must regroup after a disappointing Thursday night performance that exposed vulnerabilities in both pass protection and secondary coverage. Fans can continue to follow the 2026 NFL season live on Sky Sports, with every playoff game and Super Bowl LXI scheduled for Sunday, February 14, 2027, available through Sky Sports deals or streamed without a contract on NOW.