Browns Edge Steelers
Browns Defeat Steelers 27-24 on Late Field Goal to Take AFC North Lead
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Key Points
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The Steelers’ opening possession lasted 17 plays and nearly 10 minutes, but they did not score another touchdown until the fourth quarter. Cleveland also lost defensive tackle Mason Graham to a knee injury, while Pittsburgh first-round defensive lineman Derrick Harmon was carted off with a foot injury.
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A key replay review in the fourth quarter overturned a defensive pass-interference call on Pittsburgh’s Daylen Everette after Jack Sawyer tipped Watson’s pass. The reversal erased a 42-yard penalty and gave Pittsburgh the ball, setting up Rodgers’ touchdown pass to Darnell Washington.
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Watson said he asked Szmyt before the winning drive how far the kicker needed him to get the ball; Szmyt replied, “Get me to the 42- or 40-yard line, and I’m gonna make it.” Watson also rushed for 22 yards, while Rodgers finished with 299 passing yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.
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Cleveland’s rookie receivers helped spark its first-half offense: Denzel Boston had a 60-yard catch and KC Concepcion added a 25-yard reception, according to the game notebook. Watson completed 14 of 17 passes for 181 yards in the half as Cleveland built a 21-10 lead.
The Cleveland Browns beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-24 on Thursday night, with NBC Sports reporting that Andre Szmyt's 56-yard field goal with 10 seconds left sealed the win. The New York Times noted that Deshaun Watson engineered the late-game drive, improving Cleveland to 3-1 and taking sole possession of first place in the AFC North.
Watson threw for 268 yards and a touchdown, while Grant Delpit intercepted Aaron Rodgers' final pass to secure the victory. Cleveland.com reported that the Steelers fell to 2-2 after Rodgers rallied Pittsburgh to tie the game late.
Watson's Late-Game Leadership Sets Up Szmyt's Winner
Before the final drive, Watson asked Szmyt exactly what he needed. The kicker replied, "Get me to the 42- or 40-yard line, and I'm gonna make it." Watson delivered — he moved the Browns down field with precision before Szmyt launched the game-winning 56-yarder. NBC Sports confirmed the Browns kicker converted the decisive kick with just 10 seconds remaining.
Watson also rushed for 22 yards during the drive, showing his dual-threat ability when Cleveland needed it most. The New York Times noted that Watson's calm execution in the final moments cemented his role as the Browns' franchise quarterback.
Rookie Receivers Spark Browns' First-Half Dominance
Cleveland's young pass-catchers set the tone early. Denzel Boston hauled in a 60-yard catch, while KC Concepcion added a 25-yard reception to spark the offense. Watson was sharp in the first half, completing 14 of 17 passes for 181 yards as the Browns built a 21-10 lead heading into halftime.
The early offensive firepower proved crucial, as Pittsburgh's opening drive took nearly 10 minutes and 17 plays but produced no touchdown. Cleveland's ability to score quickly offset Pittsburgh's methodical approach and gave the Browns a cushion they would need later.
Rodgers Ties Game Before Delpit's Sealing Interception
Aaron Rodgers came alive in the fourth quarter, throwing three touchdowns and finishing with 299 passing yards. A pivotal replay review overturned a defensive pass-interference call on Daylen Everette, erasing a 42-yard penalty and giving Pittsburgh the ball. This reversal set up Rodgers' touchdown pass to Darnell Washington to tie the game at 24-24.
But Rodgers' final throw was intercepted by Grant Delpit, securing the Browns' victory. The New York Times reported that Rodgers finished with two interceptions despite his strong fourth-quarter performance. The turnover ended Pittsburgh's comeback bid and sent Cleveland to first place in the AFC North.
Injuries Plague Both Playoff Contenders
Both teams suffered defensive losses during the game. Cleveland lost defensive tackle Mason Graham to a knee injury, while Pittsburgh's first-round defensive lineman Derrick Harmon was carted off with a foot injury. The departures tested both defenses down the stretch and could impact availability for upcoming weeks.
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