Introduction
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns met in a highly anticipated AFC North match, with both teams vying for a crucial win. The Steelers, sporting a strong 8-3 record, traveled to Cleveland with a 4-2 away record, while the Browns, sitting at 3-8, were looking to capitalize on their home field advantage. The game turned out to be a tense affair, but ultimately, the Cleveland Browns emerged victorious with a 24-19 win. In this article, we will break down the player statistics and overall team performance to gain insight into the key moments that shaped the game.
Team Overview
Both teams had similar total yardage at 368 for the Steelers and 304 for the Browns. Despite this, the Steelers seemed to have more consistency throughout the game, leading in several areas like passing yards (248 yards compared to Cleveland’s 219). However, it was Cleveland’s ability to capitalize on critical moments and maintain a steady defensive presence that ultimately made the difference.
1st Downs
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 17
- Cleveland Browns: 17
Both teams managed an equal number of first downs, with the Steelers leading in passing first downs (10 to 8). However, the Browns came out ahead in rushing first downs (8 to 5). This suggests that while the Steelers had better success in the air, the Browns were able to establish their ground game, which played a significant role in the flow of the game.
Passing and Rushing Stats
The Steelers’ passing attack was more efficient in terms of yardage, but both teams had comparable success on the ground.
- Pittsburgh Steelers:
- Passing Yards: 248
- Comp/Att: 21/29
- Yards per pass: 7.5
- Rushing Yards: 120
- Rushing Attempts: 34
- Yards per rush: 3.5
- Cleveland Browns:
- Passing Yards: 219
- Comp/Att: 18/27
- Yards per pass: 7.8
- Rushing Yards: 85
- Rushing Attempts: 27
- Yards per rush: 3.1
The Steelers’ quarterback made the most of his attempts, completing 21 passes for 248 yards. While the Browns had fewer passing yards (219), their yards per pass attempt (7.8) were slightly better. The Steelers’ ability to generate a steady ground game (120 rushing yards) helped them stay balanced, but Cleveland’s rushing offense was still slightly more effective on a per-rush basis.
Interceptions and Turnovers
Turnovers can often define the outcome of a game, and in this case, the Steelers managed to avoid throwing any interceptions. On the other hand, the Browns threw one interception, which could have been a costly mistake had it not been for their defense’s ability to create turnovers in other areas.
- Pittsburgh Steelers:
- Interceptions thrown: 0
- Fumbles lost: 1
- Turnovers: 1
- Cleveland Browns:
- Interceptions thrown: 1
- Fumbles lost: 2
- Turnovers: 3
The Browns had three turnovers in total, including a fumble lost and an interception. This ultimately hurt their chances, especially with the Steelers only losing the ball once.
Sacks and Yards Lost
The offensive lines for both teams showed varying degrees of success at keeping their quarterbacks protected. Pittsburgh’s defensive front was able to sack Cleveland’s quarterback four times, which resulted in 22 yards lost. The Browns, however, managed to sack the Steelers’ quarterback just once and didn’t lose any yards as a result.
- Pittsburgh Steelers:
- Sacks-Yards Lost: 4-22
- Cleveland Browns:
- Sacks-Yards Lost: 1-0
This stat highlights the Steelers’ ability to generate pressure and disrupt the Browns’ passing game, forcing the quarterback to make hurried throws. Despite this, the Browns’ offensive line did a better job of keeping their quarterback upright.
Third Down Efficiency
Third down conversions often determine the rhythm of the game, and this is where the Steelers had an edge, converting 7 of their 16 third-down attempts (43.8%). The Browns were significantly less effective on third down, converting only 1 of their 10 attempts (10%).
- Pittsburgh Steelers:
- 3rd Down Efficiency: 7-16
- Cleveland Browns:
- 3rd Down Efficiency: 1-10
While the Browns were able to find success on fourth down, converting all four of their attempts, their failure to capitalize on third downs was a major hindrance.
Red Zone Efficiency
The red zone performance played a key role in shaping the outcome of the game. The Steelers were only able to convert 1 of their 2 red zone opportunities into a touchdown, while the Browns were 3 for 4 in the red zone.
- Pittsburgh Steelers:
- Red Zone: 1-2
- Cleveland Browns:
- Red Zone: 3-4
The Browns’ ability to capitalize on red zone opportunities was critical in building their lead. The Steelers’ only red zone touchdown came in the fourth quarter, but by then, the Browns had already built a commanding lead.
Possession and Penalties
Time of possession and penalties can also impact a game, and this match was no different. The Steelers controlled the clock for 35 minutes and 2 seconds, while the Browns only had 24 minutes and 58 seconds of possession. The Steelers were able to sustain drives more effectively, despite committing fewer penalties than the Browns.
- Pittsburgh Steelers:
- Possession: 35:02
- Penalties: 6-39
- Cleveland Browns:
- Possession: 24:58
- Penalties: 8-48
While the Steelers held onto the ball longer, it was their ability to avoid excessive penalties and maintain consistent offensive execution that allowed them to stay in the game. The Browns, on the other hand, could not maintain the same consistency.
Key Players in the Steelers vs Browns Match
Pittsburgh Steelers
Quarterback (Ben Roethlisberger): Roethlisberger was efficient in the passing game, completing 21 of 29 attempts for 248 yards and no interceptions. He played a key role in keeping the Steelers’ offense moving and gave them an opportunity to make a comeback in the fourth quarter.
Running Back (Najee Harris): Harris was solid on the ground, rushing 22 times for 75 yards. Though he wasn’t able to break out for a big run, his steady performance helped the Steelers sustain their offensive balance.
Defensive Line: The Steelers’ defensive line, led by T.J. Watt, was a constant threat to Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield. They recorded four sacks and kept Mayfield under pressure, limiting his ability to establish a rhythm.
Cleveland Browns
Quarterback (Baker Mayfield): Mayfield had a solid game, completing 18 of 27 passes for 219 yards and one interception. While he wasn’t overly spectacular, he was effective when it mattered most, including in the red zone.
Running Back (Nick Chubb): Chubb had a great game, rushing 17 times for 79 yards and a touchdown. His ability to grind out yardage and score in the red zone played a crucial part in the Browns’ offensive success.
Defensive Line: The Browns’ defensive line did a good job of limiting the Steelers’ rushing attack and sacking Roethlisberger once. They also played well in the red zone, preventing the Steelers from converting multiple scoring chances.
Conclusion
The Cleveland Browns secured a 24-19 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in a hard-fought AFC North rivalry. Despite a strong passing game from the Steelers and solid offensive contributions, including running back Najee Harris’ efforts and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s efficiency, turnovers and key defensive plays from the Browns proved decisive. With Baker Mayfield managing the game and Nick Chubb powering the ground game, Cleveland was able to capitalize on red zone opportunities and turnovers to secure the win. While the Steelers had the edge in many statistical categories, it was Cleveland’s ability to convert when it mattered most, combined with the Steelers’ inability to execute in the red zone, that led to the Browns’ triumph.
FAQS
1. Who won the Steelers vs Cleveland Browns match?
The Cleveland Browns won 24-19 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
2. What was Ben Roethlisberger’s performance in the game?
Ben Roethlisberger completed 21 passes for 248 yards and no interceptions.
3. Which team had more rushing yards in the game?
The Steelers had more rushing yards with 120, compared to the Browns’ 85 rushing yards.
4. How many sacks did the Steelers defense get?
The Steelers’ defense registered 4 sacks in the game.
5. What was the third down efficiency for both teams?
The Steelers converted 7 of 16 third downs, while the Browns only converted 1 of 10.
