Steelers win against the Browns, 27-14

With the Baltimore Ravens on a bye week, the Steelers entered Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns knowing that, regardless of the outcome, they would maintain their lead in the AFC North. However, they also aimed to exact some revenge on the Browns, who had handed them their only loss in a four-game stretch of AFC North matchups.

The Steelers accomplished that goal, defeating the Browns 27-14 at Acrisure Stadium. The defense completely shut down Cleveland’s offense, and the win marked the Steelers’ sweep over all three AFC North rivals this season. The victory, which improved the Steelers’ record to 10-3, extended their lead to two games over the idle Baltimore Ravens (8-5).

This win also helped erase the sting of the 24-19 loss to the Browns on Nov. 21 in Cleveland, avenging the Steelers’ only defeat in the last two months.

With leading receiver George Pickens sidelined due to a hamstring injury suffered on Friday, the Steelers needed to rely on other offensive sources. Additionally, the defense stepped up, making key plays throughout the game.

The defense was crucial, intercepting Jameis Winston twice and sacking him three times. They helped create short fields for the offense, which struggled early without Pickens but benefited from the defense’s contributions.

“I appreciate the defense providing some short fields and splash in order to get us going as a team,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. “It is a team game in that way.”

On Cleveland’s opening possession, T.J. Watt recorded a tackle for a 5-yard loss, and Alex Highsmith, returning from a three-game absence due to an ankle injury, added a sack to force a Browns punt from inside their 10-yard line. Calvin Austin III returned the punt 11 yards to the Cleveland 36, but the Steelers settled for a 30-yard field goal from Chris Boswell, taking a 3-0 lead.

Cleveland quickly answered, with Winston scrambling and throwing across his body to Jerry Jeudy for a 35-yard touchdown pass, the longest allowed by the Steelers this season.

The teams traded punts before early in the second quarter, when nose tackle Keeanu Benton intercepted Winston, returning it 11 yards to the Browns’ 31-yard line. The pick was the first of Benton’s career and energized the Steelers.

“Definitely, especially having a big man get an interception,” said Benton. “We are an energy-feeding group. I think we got energy out of that.”

The interception set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Najee Harris, putting the Steelers ahead 10-7.

“Sometimes when you’re struggling a little bit to gain some traction, the short field will get you going,” Tomlin said. “I can’t say enough about that play. Benton is a young guy that’s evolving in a big way.”

The defense forced a quick three-and-out by Cleveland, and the offense capitalized with a long drive. Despite a penalty on Mike Williams for offensive pass interference, the Steelers managed a 54-yard field goal by Boswell, extending their lead to 13-7.

Cleveland had a chance to retake the lead before halftime, driving to the Steelers’ 20-yard line. But DeShon Elliott broke up a pass intended for tight end David Njoku, and Dustin Hopkins missed a 38-yard field goal attempt, leaving the score at 13-7.

Cleveland had a strong kick return to start the second half but missed another field goal, this time from 43 yards, allowing the Steelers to preserve their 13-7 lead.

The Steelers capitalized on the miss with a touchdown drive, capped off by a 10-yard pass from Wilson to Van Jefferson, pushing the lead to 20-7 midway through the third quarter.

On the next Cleveland possession, facing a fourth-and-1 at midfield, Elandon Roberts made a big stop on Jerome Ford for a 5-yard loss, turning the ball over on downs. Five plays later, Wilson connected with Pat Freiermuth for a 20-yard touchdown pass, giving the Steelers a 27-7 lead.

The Browns added a 15-yard touchdown pass from Winston to Njoku, cutting the lead to 27-14 with just under 8 minutes remaining.

The Steelers sealed the victory when Ben Skowronek recovered a muffed punt by Cleveland’s Kadarius Toney at the Browns’ 20-yard line with under three minutes left.

Wilson finished the game completing 15 of 26 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns. Elliott led the defense with 13 tackles, while Patrick Queen had 10. Cam Heyward contributed two sacks.