In a dramatic Thursday Night Football showdown amidst a heavy snowstorm, Nick Chubb delivered a game-winning 2-yard touchdown with just 57 seconds left, lifting the Cleveland Browns to a stunning 24-19 victory over division rival Pittsburgh Steelers. The victory snapped Pittsburgh’s five-game winning streak and provided a rare bright spot in Cleveland’s tumultuous season.
Chubb’s decisive score marked a triumphant return to action against the AFC North-leading Steelers (8-3), the same team he suffered a season-ending knee injury against last year. The Browns (3-8) overcame adversity and a blown 12-point lead in the fourth quarter to secure the victory, easing pressure on head coach Kevin Stefanski and energizing the Huntington Bank Field crowd.
Trailing 19-18 after squandering a 12-point advantage, Cleveland’s defense forced a pivotal Pittsburgh punt with 3:22 remaining. Steelers punter Corliss Waitman misfired under snowy conditions, sending a 16-yard shank that gave Cleveland excellent field position.
Jameis Winston, steady in the wintry chaos, found Jerry Jeudy for a critical third-down conversion to the Steelers’ 9-yard line. Two plays later, Chubb powered into the end zone, plowing through defenders as snow blanketed the field and igniting a jubilant Cleveland sideline.
Pittsburgh had one final opportunity, but quarterback Russell Wilson’s desperation Hail Mary from midfield was swatted down in the end zone by Browns safety Grant Delpit, sealing the victory and sparking a wild celebration among Cleveland players and fans alike.
Chubb’s return to the field against Pittsburgh was poignant. The star running back showed no lingering effects of the knee injury that sidelined him in 2023, rushing for 84 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. His determined performance embodied the resilience Cleveland has sought during a challenging season.
“Nick’s the heart and soul of this team,” said Stefanski after the game. “To see him step up in the snow and deliver when it mattered most was inspiring.”
The Steelers, who had been riding high atop the AFC North, clawed back from a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Wilson connected with wide receiver Diontae Johnson for a 17-yard touchdown, and kicker Chris Boswell added two field goals to give Pittsburgh a 19-18 lead late.
However, Wilson struggled in the snow, completing just 15 of 30 passes for 172 yards and two turnovers. The Steelers’ defense, which had been dominant during their winning streak, failed to contain Cleveland’s final drive in the blizzard-like conditions.
“It’s tough,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. “We fought back, but we didn’t finish. Credit to Cleveland — they made the plays.”
The Steelers (8-3) will look to rebound when they travel to Cincinnati to face the Bengals next Sunday. Meanwhile, the Browns (3-8) hope to build on their emotional win when they visit Denver for a Monday Night Football matchup.
For Cleveland fans, the victory was a reminder of what the team can achieve when firing on all cylinders — and a glimmer of hope as they navigate a challenging season. As the snow fell and the celebrations unfolded, Chubb’s redemption and the Browns’ resilience provided a night to remember.
