Browns Beat Steelers 27-24 on Andre Szmyt’s Career Long 56 Yard Field Goal

Watson Leads Another Fourth Quarter Comeback

The Cleveland Browns are developing a knack for coming up big in the fourth quarter. Deshaun Watson led a go-ahead drive in the final period for the third straight week, putting Cleveland in position for Andre Szmyt’s career-long 56-yard field goal with 10 seconds remaining as the Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-24 on Thursday night.

The Browns appeared to be in control after building a 21-7 lead late in the first half, but Pittsburgh rallied to tie the game at 24-24 with 1:44 remaining. Aaron Rodgers threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Pat Freiermuth before sneaking in for the two-point conversion to even the score. Watson then delivered when Cleveland needed him most. He completed 4 of 5 passes for 46 yards on the winning drive, including two completions to Jerry Jeudy for 27 yards.

Watson was sacked for a 4-yard loss with 19 seconds remaining, moving the ball back to the Steelers’ 38-yard line. It ultimately did not matter, as Szmyt stepped onto the field and drilled the 56-yard attempt down the middle. The kick extended Szmyt’s streak to 22 consecutive made field goals. It was also his third field goal in the final 15 seconds of a game since joining the Browns last season.

Browns Continue Thursday Night Dominance

Cleveland has now won eight consecutive Thursday night games, the longest active streak in the NFL and the fourth-longest streak in league history. Four of those victories have come against Pittsburgh. The Steelers fell to 2-2 and remained winless in their past 10 road games against AFC North opponents on Thursdays.

Watson finished 24 of 33 for 268 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He threw for 181 yards in the first half, his highest first-half passing total since being traded by the Houston Texans to Cleveland in 2022.

Rodgers completed 22 of 40 passes for 299 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He had one final opportunity to put Pittsburgh into field-goal range, but Grant Delpit intercepted his Hail Mary at the Browns’ 18-yard line with one second remaining to seal the victory.

Browns Defense Pressures Rodgers

The Browns’ defense consistently pressured Rodgers throughout the night, recording five sacks and 10 quarterback hits. Pittsburgh running back Jaylen Warren rushed for 93 yards on 17 carries, while DK Metcalf continued his strong start with five catches for 115 yards.

The Steelers controlled the opening quarter and took a 7-0 lead when Roman Wilson took a shovel pass 12 yards around the left end on a jet sweep. Momentum shifted on the second play of the second quarter when Denzel Ward intercepted a Rodgers pass intended for Michael Pittman Jr. at the Browns’ 44-yard line. From there, Cleveland dominated the remainder of the first half.

Cleveland Explodes for 21 Points in Second Quarter

The Browns scored 21 points in the second quarter, marking the first time they had scored at least 21 points in a second quarter since Week 13 of the 2020 season against Tennessee.

Jaleel McLaughlin tied the game at 7 with 12:14 remaining in the first half on a 28-yard touchdown run around the right end. The fourth-year running back broke two tackles at the 22-yard line before squeezing through a narrow opening at the 15 and reaching the end zone.

Cleveland took a 14-7 lead midway through the second quarter when Quinshon Judkins scored on a 2-yard run off right guard. The touchdown came three plays after Watson connected with Denzel Boston for a 60-yard completion to the Steelers’ 14-yard line on the first play of the drive.

Harold Fannin Jr. then continued his recent scoring surge, catching a 2-yard touchdown pass from Watson on third-and-goal with 1:22 remaining in the half. It marked Fannin’s third touchdown in two games. Pittsburgh answered with Chris Boswell’s 31-yard field goal with eight seconds remaining in the half, cutting Cleveland’s lead to 21-10.

Steelers Rally Before Browns Deliver Final Blow

Pittsburgh continued to chip away in the second half. Rodgers rolled to his right and connected with Calvin Austin III for a 21-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter, bringing the Steelers within 21-16. Pittsburgh’s attempt at a two-point conversion failed.

The Steelers eventually pulled even at 24-24 on Rodgers’ 3-yard touchdown pass to Freiermuth with 1:44 remaining, followed by Rodgers’ successful two-point sneak. That set the stage for Watson and Szmyt.

Watson calmly moved Cleveland down the field, and despite taking a sack late in the drive, the Browns trusted Szmyt with the long attempt. He rewarded that confidence by splitting the uprights from 56 yards, sending Cleveland home with another dramatic fourth-quarter victory.

Next Sunday Action

The Steelers return home to host the Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 11. The Browns will hit the road to face the New York Jets on Oct. 11.