Andre Szmyt kicks 56-yard field goal to seal Browns' 27-24 win over Steelers

Second-quarter turnaround

The Pittsburgh Steelers opened Thursday's game with a 17-play, 78-yard drive that consumed most of the first quarter. Aaron Rodgers capped the possession with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Roman Wilson on a jet sweep around the left end. Cleveland responded in the second quarter after cornerback Denzel Ward intercepted Rodgers on a pass intended for Michael Pittman Jr. Running back Jaleel McLaughlin equalized on a 28-yard run, breaking two tackles at the 22-yard line. Quinshon Judkins then scored on a two-yard run three plays after Deshaun Watson connected with Denzel Boston for a 60-yard gain. Watson completed another scoring drive before halftime with a touchdown pass to Harold Fannin Jr., giving Cleveland a 21-10 lead.

Pittsburgh rally in the fourth quarter

Watson accumulated 181 passing yards in the first half, his highest 30-minute total since joining Cleveland in 2022. Pittsburgh regained momentum in the fourth quarter when linebacker TJ Watt stripped Watson of the ball and recovered the fumble. Rodgers capitalized despite being sacked five times during the contest, connecting with Darnell Washington for a 21-yard touchdown pass. Cleveland extended its lead to eight points with a field goal, but Pittsburgh answered immediately. Rodgers found Pat Freiermuth for a three-yard touchdown pass with 1:44 remaining before rushing across the goal line himself on a quarterback sneak for the game-tying two-point conversion.

Szmyt and Delpit seal victory

With under two minutes remaining, Watson directed a go-ahead drive for the third consecutive week. Watson completed four of five passes for 46 yards to position the Browns within long-distance kicking range. Kicker Andre Szmyt converted a career-long 56-yard field goal with 10 seconds remaining on the clock. Pittsburgh had one final attempt to enter field-goal range, but safety Grant Delpit intercepted Rodgers at the Browns 18-yard line with one second left. Watson reflected on the team's late-game execution following the victory.

Those guys just look at me, and they just want me to lead the show. This is what it's all about. Nights like this in Cleveland, in front of our home fans, getting them Ws, getting them wins.

Statistical milestones and standings

Watson finished the night completing 24 of 33 passes for 268 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Rodgers completed 22 of 40 passes for 299 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions, while Jaylen Warren added 93 rushing yards on 17 carries and DK Metcalf recorded 115 receiving yards. The 27-24 victory improved the Browns to 3-1, moving them into first place in the AFC North and marking their best four-game start since 2021. The win was also Cleveland's eighth consecutive victory on Thursday Night Football, the longest active streak in the NFL and the fourth-longest in league history.

Roster fallout and head-to-head records

The Steelers dropped to 2-2 with the defeat, extending an 0-10 road record against AFC North opponents in Thursday games. Cleveland secured its fifth consecutive home win against Pittsburgh. Both rosters sustained injuries during the physical contest. Browns defensive tackle Mason Graham exited in the first quarter with a knee injury. Pittsburgh lost defensive tackle Derrick Harmon to a foot injury and cornerback Jamel Dean to an ankle injury during early play.