Week 14 brought us a classic AFC North rivalry game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns. With Pittsburgh trying to hold down the AFC North lead and Cleveland playing the role of spoiler at this point, it would be interesting to see how this played out.
Even after a 5-yard penalty in their favor, Pittsburgh started with a three-and-out. The Steelers defense would return the favor with a three-and-out of their own, led by big plays from linebackers TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith. Browns quarterback Jameis Winston would hit wide receiver Jerry Jeudy with a big 35-yard touchdown pass to go up 7-3 with 5:50 left in the first.
The second quarter wouldn’t start any better for the Steelers, with their fourth three-and-out of the game. Their defense would do their best to keep them in this game with an interception on the Browns following drive. Pittsburgh would finally answer, with the aid of a pass interference call, leading to a rushing touchdown from running back Najee Harris, 10-7 Steelers. Pittsburgh would tack on another field goal, while Cleveland Browns place kicker Dustin Hopkins would miss his eighth field goal of the season to wrap up the second half, 13-7 Steelers.
Cleveland opened the second half with a 56-yard kickoff return to set them up with decent field position. It would all be for nothing, as Hopkins missed his second field goal of the game, leading to a touchdown drive from the Steelers to make it 20-7. The Pittsburgh defense would shine bright with a big stop on fourth down on the following drive, leading to another touchdown for the Steelers to make it 27-7.
That would be the score heading into the fourth quarter, and the Cleveland offense would be frustrated, taking a penalty on a crucial third down. It would be quiet until they hit the 7:19 mark, where Cleveland finally got their second score to make it 27-14 after a passing touchdown to tight end David Njoku. The Browns would keep things interesting by forcing a turnover with less than five minutes remaining. The excitement was short-lived with QB Jameis Winston trying to force it downfield leading to a backbreaking interception.
Pittsburgh would go on to win this game 27-14. QB Russel Wilson threw for 158 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. With wide receiver George Pickens missing this game, it would be tight end Pat Freiermuth with the most receiving yards for the Steelers at 48. The defense was the story of this game, combined with the offense taking advantage of field position and Cleveland errors. The Browns also have a huge issue with their place kicker, missing two big field goals and giving up good field position to the Steelers.
Howe Fresh
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