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 completed 24 of 33 attempts, throwing one touchdown and one interception, delivered a clutch fourth-quarter drive—his third consecutive week of go-ahead scores—by connecting on four of five passes for 46 yards in the decisive series. The Browns entered the contest with a 3-1 record, their best start since the 2021 campaign.
They built a comfortable 21-7 advantage late in the second quarter, only to watch the Steelers rally and force a 24-24 deadlock. Pittsburgh’s quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, responded with a three-yard touchdown pass to tight end Pat Freiermuth with 1:44 remaining in the game, followed by a successful two-point conversion, tying the score at 24.
Rodgers finished with 299 passing yards on 22 of 40 attempts, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He earned one final opportunity to position the Steelers for a field goal, but Grant Delpit intercepted his pass at the Cleveland 18-yard line with just one second remaining, sealing the victory for the Browns. Key individual performances included Pittsburgh running back Jaylen Warren’s 93 yards on 17 carries and wide receiver DK Metcalf’s five receptions for 115 yards.
Cleveland’s defense made its presence felt by sacking Rodgers five times throughout the game. The Browns have now won eight straight Thursday night contests—a streak that tops the league’s active record and ranks fourth overall in NFL history, with four of those wins coming against the Steelers. Conversely, the Steelers sit at 2-2 overall and are 0-10 on Thursday nights when playing away against AFC North foes. The opening drive for Cleveland resulted in a three-and-out, after which Pittsburgh marched 78 yards over 17 plays.
The drive culminated in a shovel pass to Wilson, who turned a 12-yard jet sweep around the left end for a touchdown. This marked the second consecutive game in which the Steelers reached the end zone on their first possession.
Watson’s passing production was notable; he accumulated 181 yards through the first half, the most he has thrown in a single half since joining the Browns in 2022. The Browns’ offense struck first when Jaleel McLaughlin tied the game at 7-7 with a 28-yard rushing touchdown late in the first half. The fourth-year running back broke two tackles at the 22-yard line and squeezed through a narrow gap at the 15-yard line to cross 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 early in the second quarter. Cleveland capitalized quickly, taking a 14-7 lead midway through the half when Quinshon Judkins powered into the end zone on a two-yard run off the right guard.
The drive began with Watson finding Denzel Boston for a spectacular 60-yard completion that placed the ball at the Steelers’ 14-yard line. Later, Harold Fannin Jr.
added his third touchdown in two games, catching a two-yard pass from Watson on a third-and-goal with 1:22 left in the half. This scoring burst gave Cleveland a 21-10 advantage heading into the locker room, marking the first time since Week 13 of the 2020 season that the Browns posted at least 21 points in a single quarter.
Pittsburgh narrowed the gap before halftime when Boswell converted a 31-yard field goal with eight seconds left, making it 21-10. Early in the fourth quarter, Rodgers rolled to his right and connected with 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 battle, eventually tying the game at 24-24. In the final moments, Watson guided the Browns downfield, methodically moving the ball into field goal range.
With just ten seconds left, Andre Szmyt launched a 56-yard kick that sailed through the uprights, delivering a dramatic, last-second victory for Cleveland. The game highlighted the Browns’ resilience, their ability to execute under pressure, and the impact of key defensive plays, such as Delpit’s game-clinching interception. Beyond the on-field drama, the broadcast underscored the broader context of the 2026 NFL season. Fans were reminded that they could watch every game live on Sky Sports, including the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI scheduled for Sunday, February 14, 2027.
Sky Sports also promoted its latest subscription deals and the option to stream without a contract via the NOW platform, ensuring that viewers could stay connected to the league’s biggest moments all season long.