Browns Beat Steelers 27-24: Deshaun Watson Leads Winning Drive to Top AFC North
Browns Beat Steelers 27-24: Deshaun Watson Leads Winning Drive to Top AFC North
The Cleveland Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-24 on Thursday Night Football, with quarterback Deshaun Watson once again delivering in the closing moments.
Watson led his third consecutive game-winning drive, setting up kicker Andre Szmyt for a career-long 56-yard field goal with just 10 seconds remaining. The victory moved the Browns to 3-1 and gave them sole possession of the AFC North.
It is Cleveland's first 3-1 start since 2021 and its first time leading the division outright since November 2014.
Browns Build 21-10 Halftime Lead
Cleveland dominated much of the first half, scoring three touchdowns in the second quarter to establish a 21-10 advantage.
Watson completed 14 of 17 passes for 181 yards and a touchdown during the first half, his most passing yards in a first half since joining the Browns.
The Browns' three second-quarter touchdowns came from Jaleel McLaughlin, Quinshon Judkins and Harold Fannin Jr. Cleveland finished the game with 372 total offensive yards, including 191 yards in the second quarter.
Steelers Fight Back in Second Half
Pittsburgh responded after halftime and gradually erased Cleveland's 11-point advantage.
Watson turned the ball over twice in the second half. T.J. Watt forced a fumble on a third-quarter rushing attempt, while a tipped pass was intercepted early in the fourth quarter.
The Steelers eventually tied the game at 24-24 after quarterback Aaron Rodgers connected with tight end Pat Freiermuth for a 3-yard touchdown. Rodgers then completed the successful two-point conversion with a quarterback sneak.
With the game level and less than two minutes remaining, Cleveland needed another late-game response.
Watson Delivers Another Winning Drive
Watson answered with four consecutive completions to move the Browns into scoring range.
Although he was sacked for a 4-yard loss late in the possession, Cleveland was already within range for Szmyt. The kicker then converted a 56-yard field goal to put the Browns ahead 27-24 with 10 seconds left.
Watson finished the game with 268 passing yards and one touchdown on 33 attempts. He also made several key completions to KC Concepcion Jr., Jerry Jeudy and Harold Fannin Jr. during the final drive.
"It was electric. It was amazing," Watson said after the game, describing the atmosphere at Cleveland's home stadium.
Browns Defense Seals the Victory
The Cleveland defense then prevented Pittsburgh from mounting another comeback.
Safety Grant Delpit intercepted Rodgers' desperation pass on the Steelers' final offensive play, securing the Browns' third consecutive victory.
The Browns' defense recorded five sacks and two interceptions, while also registering eight passes defensed.
Key Numbers From Browns vs Steelers
Several statistics highlighted Cleveland's performance:
- 27-24: Final score in favor of the Browns.
- 3-1: Cleveland's record after four games.
- 268: Passing yards for Deshaun Watson.
- 56: Distance of Andre Szmyt's game-winning field goal.
- 5: Browns sacks against Pittsburgh.
- 372: Cleveland's total offensive yards.
- 89: Receiving yards for rookie Denzel Boston.
- 96: Total scrimmage yards for Quinshon Judkins.
The Browns also recorded 22 first downs, their highest total of the season.
Browns Take Control of AFC North
The win extends Cleveland's winning streak to three games after the team opened the season with a 24-point loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Watson has now led a game-winning drive in each of the Browns' past three victories, matching a franchise feat previously achieved by Brian Sipe in 1979.
Cleveland also extended its home winning streak against Pittsburgh to five games.
With a 3-1 record, a productive offense and a defense that produced five sacks and two interceptions against the Steelers, the Browns now sit atop the AFC North as the 2026 NFL season moves into Week 5.