The Cleveland Browns are sitting alone atop the AFC North after another dramatic win, beating the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-24 Thursday night at Huntington Bank Field.
With the game tied at 24 and only :10 seconds remaining, Andre Szmyt drilled a career long 56-yard field goal sending the Dawg Pound into a frenzy and giving Cleveland its third straight victory.
The (3-1) start by the Browns is their best to begin a season since 2021.
Deshaun Watson once again came through when Cleveland needed him most. Watson completed 24 of 33 passes for 268 yards and a touchdown, while also making several important plays with his legs, including a 21-yard scramble that helped set up a fourth-quarter field goal. Watson was especially sharp early, completing 14 of 17 passes for 181 yards and a touchdown in the first half.
After Pittsburgh rallied from an 11-point deficit to tie the game late in the 4th quarter, Watson calmly led Cleveland down the field in the final minute, completing key passes to Jerry Jeudy and KC Concepcion to get Szmyt into position for the winning kick.
The Browns defense also played a huge role in the victory, putting relentless pressure on Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and recording 5 sacks.
Denzel Ward and Grant Delpit each came away with interceptions, with Delpit providing the final dagger when he picked off Rodgers at the Cleveland 18-yard line with just one second remaining.
Rodgers finished with 299 passing yards and 3 touchdowns, but Cleveland’s defense repeatedly made big plays when it mattered most.
The Browns also got important contributions from rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston, who finished with 4 catches for 89 yards, and tight end Harold Fannin Jr., who caught a touchdown pass.
With that (3-1) record, Cleveland is now all alone in first place in the AFC North.
(AI Assisted)
