Full Breakdown
Browns Edge Steelers 27-24 on Thursday Night Thriller
By Drooid · · How we work
Game Summary
The Cleveland Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-24 on Thursday night at Huntington Bank Field. Deshaun Watson orchestrated a seven-play, 36-yard drive in the fourth quarter that positioned kicker Andre Szmyt for a career-long 56-yard field goal with 10 seconds left, sealing the win. The Steelers briefly tied the game at 24-24 after Aaron Rodgers connected with tight end Pat Freiermuth for a three-yard touchdown and later attempted a two-point conversion that failed. A last-second Hail Mary from Rodgers was intercepted by Grant Delpit at the Browns’ 18-yard line, ending Pittsburgh’s comeback attempt.
Background & Context
- The Browns entered the contest with a 3-1 record, their best start since the 2021 season.
- Cleveland’s Thursday-night winning streak reached eight straight games, the longest active run in the league and the fourth longest in NFL history; four of those victories have come against the Steelers.
- Pittsburgh entered the game 0-10 on the road against AFC North opponents on Thursdays, extending a difficult trend.
Key Statistics
| Statistic | Browns | Steelers |
|---|---|---|
| Passing yards | 268 (24-of-33, 1 TD, 1 INT) – CBS | 299 (22-of-40, 3 TD, 2 INT) – CBS |
| Rushing yards | 93 (Jaylen Warren) – ESPN | 93 (Jaylen Warren) – ESPN |
| Receiving yards | DK Metcalf 115 – ESPN | Darnell Washington 21 – ESPN |
| Turnovers forced | 2 interceptions (Ward, Delpit) – FinChannel | 2 interceptions (Ward, Delpit) – FinChannel |
| Sacks recorded | 5 on Rodgers – ESPN | 0 recorded on Watson – ESPN |
| Halftime lead | 21-10 – CBS | 21-10 – CBS |
| Record after game | 3-1, first time at 3-1 since 2021 – CBS | 2-2 – CBS |
Official Statements & Responses
- Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy described the contest as a “five-man pressure, man-to-man game” and noted that his aggressive game plan left the Steelers “one play short.”
- Watson highlighted the importance of the field-goal attempt, saying the kick was “money” and noting the “landmark” he had set for Szmyt.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I knew it was money. He told me the landmark, so he was just lining it up and we see it all the time,” — Deshaun Watson
- “I wouldn't say it was our cleanest game all the way around,” — Aaron Rodgers
- “Denzel flipped it, and then we kind of got things going a little bit, got in a good rhythm,” — Todd Monken, browns coach
Upcoming Matchups
Both clubs head into the following week with new opponents. The Steelers will host the Indianapolis Colts, while the Browns travel to face the New York Jets. These games will test whether Cleveland can maintain its early-season divisional advantage and whether Pittsburgh can break its Thursday-night road drought.