The Cleveland Browns secured a 27-24 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, capturing their third win and taking sole possession of first place in the fiercely contested AFC North. Kicker Andre Szmyt converted a 56-yard field goal with just 10 seconds remaining on the game clock to break a late tie at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio.
Browns Build Halftime Lead Behind Watson Touchdowns
The Steelers scored the first major of the match in the first quarter, but the Browns responded with three touchdowns without reply before the end of the first half. Cleveland initially struggled to find an offensive rhythm, punting on its first two possessions of the opening frame.
The game turned in the second quarter as the Browns scored touchdowns on three consecutive possessions. Running back Jaleel McLaughlin tied the game early in the frame with a 28-yard rushing touchdown. After the Steelers punted following a quick three-and-out, Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson connected with Denzel Boston on a 60-yard gain. Running back Quinshon Judkins finished the drive moments later with a two-yard touchdown run to give the Browns a 14-7 advantage.
Watson added a third scoring drive before halftime, throwing a two-yard touchdown pass to tight end Harold Fannin Jr. to send Cleveland into the locker room with a 21-10 lead.
Rodgers and Steelers Rally in the Fourth Quarter
Pittsburgh clawed back in the second half when Rodgers targeted tight end Darnell Washington for a 21-yard touchdown pass, threading a tight window while rolling to his right. After a Cleveland field goal extended the lead to eight points, the Steelers mounted a late-game surge.
Rodgers capitalized on a pass interference penalty on a crucial fourth-down play, finding tight end Pat Freiermuth for a three-yard touchdown. Rodgers then converted the two-point attempt with a rushing play to knot the score at 24-24 in the closing minutes of regulation.
Watson finished the night completing 24 of 33 passes for 268 yards, recording one touchdown pass and one interception. Rodgers went 22-for-39 with 299 passing yards, throwing three touchdown passes and one interception, while heavily utilizing wide receiver DK Metcalf for five receptions totaling 115 yards.
AFC North Standings Shift After Three-Game Win Streak
With the victory, the Browns improved their record to 3-1, climbing to the top of the AFC North division where all four teams started the season with identical 2-1 records. The result marks Cleveland’s first three-game winning streak since December 2023.
Pittsburgh dropped to a 2-2 record following the narrow road loss. Szmyt’s game-winning kick stood as the longest successful field goal of his professional career, sealing the division-leading victory for the Browns with seconds remaining.
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