The Pittsburgh Steelers seem to have a knack for strange games, especially against the Cleveland Browns.
After a strange and ugly first half featuring multiple miscues on offense, penalties, and a missed field goal, the team bounced back in a big way in the second half and took down the Browns, 27-14, in front of a capacity crowd at Acrisure Stadium.
With the win, the team improves their record to 10-3 and officially eliminates the Browns from playoff contention.
As expected, the Steelers' offense struggled early with the absence of star receiver George Pickens, who was a gametime scratch due to a hamstring injury. By the end of the first half, they had registered only 10 points off a Najee Harris touchdown and a field goal by the always reliable Chris Boswell.
In the third quarter, the offense, led by quarterback Russell Wilson, came alive in a big way. First, with a 5-play, 31-yard drive, which concluded with a 10-yard touchdown reception to Van Jefferson. On their next offensive series, Wilson engineered a 5-play, 46-yard drive, which included a spectacular one-handed catch by receiver Mike Williams and a 21-yard touchdown reception over the middle by tight end Pat Freiermuth. By the end of the quarter, the Steelers had a commanding 27-7 lead. The Browns would score late in the fourth quarter, but by that point, it was too little, too late.
Despite not having Pickens to rely on, Wilson did an admirable job sharing the ball. Leading the way was Freiermuth, who led his team with 48 receiving yards on three receptions and a touchdown. Scotty Miller had his best game of the season with three receptions for 38 yards. Mike Williams had a strong third quarter and finished with 36 yards on three receptions. Running back Jaylen Warren was arguably the most active player on offense, registering 72 total yards (47 rushing, 25 receiving). Najee Harris finished with 53 rushing yards on 16 carries and a touchdown.
The story of the game was the Steelers' defense, which, despite seeing the field longer than expected, came through when it mattered. In all, they collected three sacks, two interceptions, and five passes defended. Leading the way was veteran defensive lineman Cam Heyward, who led the team with two sacks (increasing his season total to eight) and two tackles for loss. Linebacker Alex Highsmith, who came back after a three-week absence, made his presence felt with a sack and two tackles for loss.
Both linebacker Patrick Queen and safety DeShon Elliott were arguably the biggest workhorses on defense, combining for 23 total tackles and two passes defended. Queen was blitzed often, which was key against the Browns' offense. Lastly, defensive lineman Keeanu Benton and cornerback James Pierre recorded the team's two interceptions.
With a win next week over the Philadelphia Eagles or a loss by the Indianapolis Colts, the Steelers will clinch a well-deserved playoff spot.
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