In a tightly contested Thursday night game, the Cleveland Browns edged the Pittsburgh Steelers 27‑24, thanks to a decisive 56‑yard field goal by Andre Szmyt. The victory marks Cleveland’s third straight win and propels the Browns into first place in the AFC North.
Key performances
Quarterback Deshaun Watson, touted as an early‑season comeback story, threw for 268 yards and a touchdown, efficiently moving the Browns into field‑goal range late in the fourth quarter. Aaron Rodgers, playing his final Thursday night appearance, posted 299 passing yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions, but his effort fell short as the Steelers could not overcome the late score.
Game flow
After the Steelers engineered an eight‑play, 80‑yard drive to tie the game at 24, the Browns responded with a seven‑play possession. Watson’s composure set up Szmyt’s long kick, giving Cleveland the lead with just minutes remaining.
Rodgers entered the night with a 13‑7 record in Thursday Night games; the loss drops him to 13‑8. Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, who is 11‑5 on Thursdays, saw his team fall to 0‑10 against AFC North opponents on this night of the week.
Implications
The win improves the Browns’ record to 3‑1, their best start since 2023, and secures the division lead. Both teams receive a bye before their next matchups: Cleveland travels to face the New York Jets in Week 5, while Pittsburgh hosts the Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 11.
The contest also marked the 150th meeting between the two rivals, a rivalry spanning 135 miles.
“I just suck it up for those three hours and then know you get a reward on the back end,” Rodgers said after the game, acknowledging the financial stakes of Thursday Night Football.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
