Cleveland Browns beat Pittsburgh Steelers in comeback win in snow storm

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Cleveland Browns beat Pittsburgh Steelers in comeback win in snow storm

Chris Easterling, Akron Beacon Journal · Akron Beacon Journal

Fri, Nov 22, 2024 ·

18 min read

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CLEVELAND — Call it Nick Chubb 's revenge.

The Browns running back scored on a 2-yard run with 57 seconds remaining, his second of the night, to lift Cleveland to a 24-19 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on "Thursday Night Football."

Chubb scored twice against the team against which he suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2 of last season in Pittsburgh . In his first game against the Steelers since that injury, he ran for 59 yards on 20 carries.

None were bigger than the two touchdowns, both of which erased Cleveland deficits. The first gave the Browns a 7-3 lead in the second quarter and the last gave them the lead for good.

The Steelers got to the Browns 35 on their final desperation drive. However, quarterback Russell Wilson 's Hail Mary heave into the end zone was batted down to send the Browns players into a wild celebration, including several doing snow angels on the snow-covered field.

The Browns overcame two fourth-quarter turnovers by quarterback Jameis Winston that allowed Pittsburgh to turn an 18-6 deficit into a 19-18 lead with 6:15 remaining. Winston was 18-of-27 passing for 219 yards with an interception, a fumble lost and a 76.0 passer rating.

Cleveland, though, managed build a 10-3 halftime lead thanks to three sacks by defensive end Myles Garrett . One of those was a strip sack that set up a 34-yard field goal by Dustin Hopkins late in the first half.

The Browns (3-8) snapped their own two-game losing streak and Pittsburgh's five-game winning streak, as the Steelers (8-3) lost their third in a row against the Browns in Cleveland.

It's also the Browns' third consecutive "Thursday Night Football" win over the Steelers, including wins in 2022 and 2019.

So what happened tonight? Here's how the latest installment in the Browns-Steelers rivalry unfolded in prime time:

Nick Chubb's 2nd touchdown run from 2 yards out gives Cleveland Browns lead

The Browns took a 24-19 lead with 57 seconds remaining when running back Nick Chubb scored from 2 yards out. The 2-point conversion pass was incomplete.

It's Chubb's second touchdown of the night.

Jerry Jeudy with another huge conversion catch for Cleveland Browns

The Browns needed six yards to convert a third down from the Steelers 29 after an illegal touching penalty was, after a lot of confusion between the officials and Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin, finally accepted. That's where wide receiver Jerry Jeudy made a 15-yard catch to put the ball at the Steeler 14.

Pittsburgh's Beanie Bishop Jr. was flagged for delay of game. That moved the ball to the Pittsburgh 9.

Jerry Jeudy with sliding 4th-down catch to keep Cleveland Browns drive alive

The Browns had a fourth-and-3 from the Pittsburgh 38 and needed a big play. They got it when quarterback Jameis Winston found a sliding Jerry Jeudy on an out route for a 5-yard gain and a first down.

Cleveland Browns get 3-and-out, force shanked Pittsburgh Steelers punt

The Browns defense did its part after the interception, forcing a three-and-out. Then Steelers punter Corliss Waitman shanked the punt, a 15-yarder that gave Cleveland the ball at the Steelers 45 with 3:22 remaining.

Jameis Winston throws interception to thwart promising Cleveland Browns drive

Quarterback Jameis Winston gave the Pittsburgh Steelers the ball back for the second consecutive Browns possession. This time, it was on an interception by cornerback Donte Jackson at the Pittsburgh 24 with 4:22 remaining.

Winston's only completion on the drive was a 26-yarder to wide receiver Jerry Jeudy that put the ball on the Pittsburgh 38. The pick, though, appeared to slip out of his hand.

Russell Wilson to Calvin Austin to push Pittsburgh Steelers into lead

The Browns fumble was turned into the lead for the Steelers. Three plays after the turnover, quarterback Russell Wilson found wide receiver Calvin Austin for a 23-yard touchdown with 6:15 remaining.

Wilson's two-point conversion pass to Corderrelle Patterson was wide. That kept the Pittsburgh lead at 19-18.

Nate Herbig has strip sack of Jameis Winston gives Pittsburgh Steelers the ball back

The Browns had the ball two plays before they gave it back to the Steelers after Jaylen Warren 's touchdown run. Quarterback Jameis Winston was stripped by outside linebacker Nate Herbig and safety DeShon Elliott recovered at the Cleveland 27 with 7:05 remaining.

Jaylen Warren's 3-yard run pulls Pittsburgh Steelers closer to Cleveland Browns

Running back Jaylen Warren's 3-yard touchdown run with 7:57 remaining pulled Pittsburgh within 18-13 of the Browns. A play before Warren's run, Browns safety Grant Delpit was flagged for a post-possession personal foul when he ripped the mouthpiece off wide receiver George Pickens ' facemask that moved the ball from the Browns 7 to the Browns 3.

Justin Fields ' big run gets Pittsburgh Steelers into Cleveland territory

The Steelers went to their Justin Fields package at quarterback, and it helped them move into Browns territory. Fields kept it on a bootleg right and ran 30 yards to the Browns 35, aided by a block from tight end Connor Heyward that took out both Denzel Ward and Grant Delpit.

Cleveland Browns WR Cedric Tillman being evaluated for head injury

The Browns announced wide receiver Cedric Tillman was being evaluated for a head injury. He suffered it on a 4-yard catch on the final play of the third quarter.

Jameis Winston with 4th-down touchdown run for Cleveland Browns

The Browns pushed their lead out to 18-6 with 12:16 remaining when quarterback Jameis Winston helicoptered his way into the end zone from the Steelers 2. Winston then found tight end David Njoku , who had dropped a third-down touchdown pass, for an acrobatic 2-point conversion.

It was one of two fourth-down conversions on the drive. Nick Chubb also ran for four yards on fourth-and-1 from the Pittsburgh 27 on the first play of the fourth quarter.

End 3rd quarter: Cleveland Browns 10, Pittsburgh Steelers 6

As the ground crew cleared off the yard lines from the snow falling, the Browns took a 10-6 lead into the final 15 minutes. They'll have a fourth-and-1 from the Steelers 27 coming out of the quarter break.

Chris Boswell kicks 28-yard field goal for the Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers kicker Chris Boswell booted a 28-yard field goal through the snow to pull Pittsburgh within 10-6. There's 1:56 remaining in the third quarter.

Russell Wilson converts 4th and short in driving snow for Pittsburgh Steelers

As the snow pummeled the stadium, Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson found tight end Pat Freiermuth for a 9-yard gain on a fourth-and-1 play from the Cleveland 22. That gave the Steelers a first down at the Browns 9.

Cleveland Browns get 2nd 4th-down stop on defense to turn away Pittsburgh Steelers

The Cedric Tillman fumble didn't do damage for the Browns. The Steelers had a fourth-and-1 from their own 46, but Cleveland's Shelby Harris came in to stuff running back Jaylen Warren for a 1-yard loss to give the Browns the ball back.

Cedric Tillman's fumble spoils promising Cleveland Browns drive

The Browns took the second-half kickoff and took three plays to get into Steelers 31. The problem was that at the end of that third play, they coughed the ball up and gave it to Pittsburgh.

Quarterback Jameis Winston fired a strike to wide receiver Cedric Tillman on a slant route for 24 yards. Tillman would fumble the ball when safety DeShon Elliott perfectly-timed his hit on the ball, knocking it out for Elliott's teammate, cornerback Donte Jackson, to recover.

Myles Garrett ends 1st half with 3rd sack of Pittsburgh Steelers' Russell Wilson

Myles Garrett is showing the Steelers why he was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Garrett ended the first half by sacking quarterback Russell Wilson for the third time in the game.

The Browns lead the Steelers 10-3. Cleveland gets the ball to start the second half.

Dustin Hopkins extends Cleveland Browns lead with field goal late in 1st half

The Browns turned the strip sack into three points. Dustin Hopkins kicked a 34-yard field goal with 40 seconds remaining in the first half to extend the Cleveland lead over the Steelers to 10-3.

The Browns also get the second-half kickoff.

Myles Garrett strip-sack sets up Winston Reid fumble recovery for Cleveland Browns

Myles Garrett's second sack was huge for the Browns. Garrett stripped quarterback Russell Wilson and linebacker Winston Reid recovered it at the Pittsburgh 31 with 3:11 remaining in the second quarter.

The Browns have recorded three sacks of Wilson. Garrett has two and linebacker Jordan Hicks has one.

Nick Chubb scores on Pittsburgh Steelers to give Cleveland Browns lead

Running back Nick Chubb scored on a 2-yard run with 4:00 remaining in the second quarter to give the Browns a 7-3 lead over the Steelers. Chubb had 24 yards on seven carries so far against Pittsburgh, against whom he suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2 of last season.

Nick Chubb gives Cleveland Browns big 4th-down conversion in Pittsburgh Steelers territory

The Browns' best drive stayed alive when running back Nick Chubb ran for five yards on a fourth-and-1 from the Steelers 16. The drive was set up with three Jerry Jeudy catches netting 39 yards to move the ball over midfield.

Pittsburgh linebacker Patrick Queen was shaken up on the play.

Chris Boswell gives Pittsburgh Steelers lead with 48-yard field goal

The Steelers were forced to kick a 48-yard field goal to get on the board 3-0 with 10:53 remaining in the second quarter. It was originally going to be a 43-yarder for Chris Boswell, but Cam Heyward was flagged for a false start to move it back five yards.

Pittsburgh Steelers flip field again with big pass play to Calvin Austin

The Steelers have been in Cleveland territory all three possessions to open the game. This time, it was because of a 46-yard catch by Calvin Austin, who simply ran past safety Grant Delpit to make the catch.

End 1st quarter: Cleveland Browns 0, Pittsburgh Steelers 0

The Browns and Steelers are scoreless through 15 minutes on "Thursday Night Football." Pittsburgh opens the second quarter with first-and-10 at their own 26.

Grant Delpit with 4th-down tackle of Pittsburgh Steelers QB Justin Fields

The Browns have come up with back-to-back defensive stops in their own territory to open the game. The Steelers, with a 31-yard pass from Russell Wilson to George Pickens, moved into Cleveland territory.

However, on fourth-and-2 from the Browns 38, Pittsburgh put Justin Fields in at quarterback. Fields was swarmed for 2-yard loss at the Cleveland 40 to give the ball back to the Browns.

Cleveland Browns starting offense vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Here are the first 11 out for the Browns on offense:

QB: Jameis Winston
RB: Nick Chubb
TE: David Njoku
WR: Elijah Moore
WR: Jerry Jeudy
WR: Cedric Tillman
LT: Germain Ifedi
LG: Joel Bitonio
C: Ethan Pocic
RG: Wyatt Teller
RT: Jack Conklin

Myles Garrett sack sets up missed field goal by Pittsburgh Steelers' Chris Boswell

Browns defensive end Myles Garrett dropped Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson for an 8-yard loss on third-and-3 from the Cleveland 32. That sack helped push Chris Boswell's field goal try back to a 58-yarder, which the Pittsburgh kicker missed wide right.

It was just the second field goal Boswell had missed this season. He's now 29 of 31 on field goals this season.

Cleveland Browns starting defense vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Browns won the toss and deferred their choice to the second half. The Steelers started on offense, while these 11 started on defense for Cleveland:

DE: Ogbo Okoronknwo
DT: Dalvin Tomlinson
DT: Shelby Harris
DE: Myles Garrett
LB Devin Bush
LB: Mohamoud Diabate
LB: Jordan Hicks
S: Grant Delpit
CB: Denzel Ward
CB: Martin Emerson Jr.
S: Juan Thornhill

Germain Ifedi officially starting at right tackle for Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Browns will have a total of three offensive tackles active for Thursday night's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Jack Conklin will start in his normal right tackle spot, while Germain Ifedi will start at left tackle in place of the injured Dawand Jones and Jedrick Wills Jr. The back up tackle will be the recently-signed Geron Christian .

Wills was ruled out by the Browns on Wednesday afternoon as he continues to battle a knee injury sustained in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals and will be inactive Thursday. Jones was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday after having surgery on his broken left fibula suffered in last Sunday's loss at the New Orleans Saints .

The Browns will also have three tight ends active: David Njoku, Jordan Akins and practice-squad elevation Blake Whiteheart . Geoff Swaim was ruled out on Monday with a concussion and is among the inactive players.

The other inactive players for the Browns will be quarterback Bailey Zappe , running back D'Onta Foreman and cornerback Chigozie Anusiem. Zappe will be the emergency No. 3 quarterback behind starter Jameis Winston and backup Dorian Thompson-Robinson .

Cleveland Browns inactive players vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

QB Bailey Zappe (3QB)
RB D'Onta Foreman
CB Chigozie Anusiem
OT Jedrick Wills Jr.
TE Geoff Swaim

Cleveland Browns expected lineup changes vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Germain Ifedi starts at LT

Snow falling in advance of Cleveland Browns-Pittsburgh Steelers Thursday Night Football game

The snow has been falling off an on as the clock ticks under three hours until kickoff in Cleveland.

When do the Cleveland Browns play today?

Kickoff is at 8:15 p.m.

Who is announcing the Steelers vs. Browns game?

Play-by-play: Al Michaels
Analysts: Kirk Herbstreit
Sideline: Kaylee Hartung

What channel is Browns vs. Steelers on: How to watch the Cleveland-Pittsburgh game on TV, streaming

TV channel: WEWS-TV (Channel 5) in Northeast Ohio only
Stream: Amazon Prime and NFL+
Announcers: Al Michaels (play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst), Kaylee Hartung (sideline reporter)

How to listen to the Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game on the radio, stream

The Cleveland Browns Radio Network will carry the game, with Andrew Siciliano (play-by-play), Nathan Zegura (analyst) and Je'Rod Cherry (sideline reporter) on the call. Among the affiliates in the Akron-Canton area are WAKR-AM 1590, WONE-FM 97.5, WHBC-AM 1480, WQKT-FM 104.5, WKRK-FM 92.3, WKNR-AM 850 and WNCX-FM 98.5.
The Cleveland Browns Radio Network's call can also be streamed at Cleveland Browns.com , as well as the Browns mobile app. It's also available on Sirius XM radio , with channels 81 or 226 carrying the Browns feed.
The game will be carried nationally by Westwood One Sports. Ian Eagle (play-by-play) and Mike Golic (analyst) will be on the call.
The Browns also have a Spanish-language broadcast, with Rafael "Rafa" Hernández-Brito (play-by-play) and Octavio Sequera (analyst) on the call. Games will be streamed on La Mega Cleveland , as well as heard on WNZN-FM 89.1 in Lorain and WVKO-FM 103.1 in Columbus.

How to buy Steelers vs. Browns tickets

Tickets for Sunday's game on StubHub can be purchased on StubHub from $27 before fees.

Browns vs. Steelers weather

It's a rainy and snowy night in Cleveland, with the temperature at kickoff expected to be low near 35, according to the National Weather Service . It'll be breezy, with a west wind 9 to 14 mph becoming northwest 15 to 20 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Browns vs. Steelers injury report

Browns: OT Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee), out; TE Geoff Swaim (concussion), out.
Steelers: CB Corey Trice Jr. (hamstring), out; OLB Alex Highsmith (ankle), out.

Cleveland Browns result in Week 11

Cleveland fell to 2-8 on the season by losing 35-14 to the New Orleans Saints last Sunday in New Orleans. The Browns gave up 21 points in the fourth quarter to break a 14-14 tie.

Pittsburgh Steelers result in Week 11

The Steelers improved to 8-2 by beating the Baltimore Ravens 18-16 last Sunday in Pittsburgh. Chris Boswell kicked six field goals, including three from 50 yards or longer.

Cleveland Browns predictions vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

So what should we expect from the Browns this Sunday against the Steelers? Click here to see what our writers project as the score of today's game.

Browns vs. Steelers betting odds

Provided by BetMGM.com ; access USA TODAY Sports Scores ad Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:30 a.m. ET Thursday.
Moneyline (ML): Browns +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Steelers -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
Against the spread: Browns +3.5 (-110) | Steelers -3.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 37 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Pittsburgh Steelers scores in all-time series vs. Cleveland Browns

Today is the 147th all-time regular-season or playoff meeting between the Browns and the Steelers, which dates back to 1950. Here's a look at the series between Cleveland and Pittsburgh.

Series record (regular season and playoffs): Steelers lead 81-63-1
Series record (regular season): Steelers lead 79-62-1
Playoff record: Steelers lead 2-1
Series in Cleveland (regular season and playoffs): Browns lead 40-30-1
Series record in Cleveland (regular season): Browns lead 40-30-1
Series record in Cleveland (playoffs): N/A
Series record in Pittsburgh: Steelers lead 52-22
Series record in Pittsburgh (regular season): Steelers lead 50-21
Series record in Pittsburgh (playoffs): Steelers lead 2-1
Last meeting: Browns 13-10 in Cleveland on Nov. 19, 2023
Series streak: Browns won last meeting

Cleveland Browns 2024 active roster

QUARTERBACKS (3): Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Bailey Zappe, Jameis Winston
RUNNING BACK (4): Nick Chubb, Jerome Ford, D'Onta Foreman, Pierre Strong Jr.
WIDE RECEIVER (5): Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore, Jamari Thrash, Cedric Tillman, Jaelon Darden
TIGHT ENDS (3): Jordan Akins, David Njoku, Geoff Swaim
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (9): Joel Bitonio, Jack Conklin, Michael Dunn, Germain Ifedi, Geron Christian, Ethan Pocic, Jedrick Wills Jr., Zak Zinter, Wyatt Teller
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (8): Myles Garrett, Shelby Harris, Maurice Hurst II, Isaiah McGuire, Ogbo Okoronkwo, Dalvin Tomlinson, Sam Kamara, Elerson Smith
LINEBACKERS (6): Devin Bush, Khaleke Hudson, Winston Reid, Jordan Hicks, Nathaniel Watson, Mohamoud Diabate
DEFENSIVE BACKS (11): D'Anthony Bell, Grant Delpit, Martin Emerson Jr., Ronnie Hickman, Rodney McLeod, Cameron Mitchell, Greg Newsome II, Mike Ford Jr., Denzel Ward, Juan Thornhill, Chigozie Anusiem
SPECIALISTS (3): Corey Bojorquez, Dustin Hopkins, Rex Sunahara

Cleveland Browns elevate TE Blake Whiteheart from practice squad to gameday roster

The Browns only standard roster elevation was tight end Blake Whiteheart. He'll provide depth at the position with Geoff Swaim out with a concussion.

The 6-foot-4, 250-pound Whiteheart is officially in his second NFL season out of Wake Forest. He has appeared in six career games since originally being signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2023. This season, he has appeared in four games with the Browns and recorded three receptions for 13 yards and one touchdown.

Cleveland Browns 2024 schedule, results (2-8, 1-1 AFC North)

Sunday, Sept. 8: Home vs. Dallas Cowboys, L, 33-17
Sunday, Sept. 15: At Jacksonville Jaguars, W, 18-13
Sunday, Sept. 22: Home vs. New York Giants, L, 21-15
Sunday, Sept. 29: At Las Vegas Raiders, L, 20-16
Sunday, Oct. 6: At Washington Commanders, L, 34-13
Sunday, Oct. 13: At Philadelphia Eagles, L, 20-16
Sunday, Oct. 20: Home vs. Cincinnati Bengals, L, 21-14
Sunday, Oct. 27: Home vs. Baltimore Ravens, W, 29-24
Sunday, Nov. 3: Home vs. Los Angeles Chargers, L, 27-10
Sunday, Nov. 10: BYE WEEK
Sunday, Nov. 17: At New Orleans Saints, L, 35-14
Thursday, Nov. 21: Home vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:15 p.m., Amazon Prime
Monday, Dec. 2: At Denver Broncos, 8:20 p.m., ESPN
Sunday, Dec. 8: At Pittsburgh Steelers, 1 p.m., CBS
Sunday, Dec. 15: Home vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 1 p.m., CBS
Thursday, Dec. 19: At Cincinnati Bengals, 8:15 p.m., Amazon Prime
Sunday, Dec. 29: Home vs. Miami Dolphins, 8:20 p.m., NBC
Saturday, Jan. 4 OR Sunday, Jan. 5: At Baltimore Ravens, TBA, TV TBA

Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns win in snow game vs Steelers in Cleveland

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