PITTSBURGH — On Sunday, Russell Wilson showcased his skills by throwing for 158 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to a convincing 27-14 victory over the Cleveland Browns. This win marked the Steelers’ 21st consecutive home triumph over Cleveland during the regular season, even with star receiver George Pickens sidelined due to a groin injury, which kept him out of a game for the first time in his career.
Despite starting the game slowly without Pickens, Wilson found his rhythm in the second half. He connected with tight end Pat Freiermuth and wide receiver Van Jefferson for touchdown passes, increasing the Steelers’ lead and putting them two games ahead of the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North standings with just four weeks left in the season.
The Browns, who fell to a 3-10 record, were unable to secure a season sweep over Pittsburgh for the first time since 1988. Their efforts were hindered by two missed field goals from Dustin Hopkins and a poor decision by quarterback Jameis Winston, who threw an interception that was returned by Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton, providing a much-needed boost for a struggling Pittsburgh offense early in the game.
Winston had a shaky outing despite initially finding receiver Jerry Jeudy for a 35-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, which gave Cleveland the early advantage. Overall, he completed 24 of 41 passes for 211 yards, with two touchdowns alongside two interceptions, continuing his trend of inconsistent performances.
Nick Chubb made a notable return with 48 rushing yards after a lengthy absence due to a knee injury sustained on the same field over a year ago. Nonetheless, the Steelers’ defense, led by strong performances against star pass rusher Myles Garrett, held firm throughout the game. The turning point came when Winston’s screen pass aimed at Chubb was intercepted by the 6-foot-4 Benton, who returned it 11 yards—setting the stage for Najee Harris to score from one yard out, giving Pittsburgh a lead they would maintain for the rest of the match.
Cleveland had opportunities to keep pace but missed chances from Hopkins on two relatively straightforward attempts deprived them of momentum. The Steelers took advantage of the first miss, converting it into a 53-yard field goal from Chris Boswell, extending their lead to 13-7. Another missed attempt from Hopkins allowed Pittsburgh to complete a 68-yard drive capped off by Wilson’s effective run/pass option play, resulting in Jefferson’s 10-yard touchdown catch for a 20-7 score.
The Steelers’ defense continued to apply pressure; notable plays included Elandon Roberts’ crucial stop of Chubb for a 4-yard loss on a fourth down attempt from Cleveland. Wilson then found Freiermuth, who powered through for a touchdown into the yellow-painted end zone, sealing the Browns’ fate, marking their 18th season with at least 10 losses since the team returned to the NFL in 1999.
Injury updates include Browns cornerback Mike Ford Jr., who entered concussion protocol during the first quarter, while Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin) exited early and did not return. Defensive back Donte Jackson (back) also left the game in the third quarter.
Looking ahead, the Browns will host Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs next Sunday, while the Steelers will face their in-state rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, on the same day.
