One of the most anticipated games for Cleveland and Pittsburgh fans took some crazy turns in the faceoff at Acrisure Stadium during Monday night football.
The Steelers received their 20th straight home win against the Browns with a final score of 26-22.
On the game’s first play, Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith started with a slippery pick-six in the first quarter, putting Pittsburgh up 7-0.
Late into the 2nd quarter, wide receiver George Pickens caught a 71-yard touchdown, giving the Steelers the momentum they needed going into halftime.
In the third quarter, Jerome Ford’s 69-yard run put in position the touchdown to give the Browns the advantage, making the end of the third quarter score 22-19.
Offense was not a strong suit for either side of the ball in this game.
Linebacker T.J. Watt and Highsmith proved this with the incredible last touchdown of the game. Highsmith beat Brown’s left tackle, Jedrick Wills, stripping the ball from Watson’s hands, then Watt grabbed the ball off the bounce and ran straight into the end zone, giving the Steelers their first lead since the midway point of the second quarter.
Six turnovers occurred during the game. Three fumbles were lost by the Browns, one by the Steelers, and an interception thrown by each team.
The Browns led the game in passing yards (210-200), rushing yards (198-55) and time of possession (35:28-24:32). However, two of Cleveland’s four turnovers ended in a touchdown, giving the Steelers an easy 14 points.
Though this game was hard to keep your eyes off, the gruesome knee injury of the Browns All-Pro running back Nick Chubb was a terrible and unfortunate scene.
This injury occurred early in the second quarter after colliding awkwardly with Minkah Fitzpatrick. It was immediately reported Chubb suffered a severe injury and would not return.
Fans and fellow NFL players have expressed their kind thoughts and hope for a speedy recovery throughout the media.
With this season-ending injury, the Browns have signed Kareem Hunt to a one-year deal, bringing him back after choosing not to resign him this past offseason.
“I came ready to play and win. I’m just ready to go out there and showcase my talent…I know what I bring to the table… I’m willing to come in and do whatever it takes just to help win,” Hunt told reporters Wednesday.
Hunt and Chubb were known as the power duo when Hunt previously played four seasons with the Browns.
The former Toledo Rocket (2013-2016) has totaled 1,874 yards and 23 touchdowns while suiting up in the brown and orange.
Hopefully, Hunt and Ford can make a similar impression when playing out the rest of this season.
UP NEXT:
The Steelers will take on the Las Vegas Raiders (1-1) this Sunday at Allegiant Stadium, while the Browns will face the Tennessee Titans (1-1) in Cleveland.
As for a prediction on the next game, with this past game being defense-heavy, the Browns will need to re-evaluate what it’ll take to dominate on both sides of the field.
I am staying positive after this game is most important. Once the team effectively comes together, that will open up room for a major comeback.
Epiphany Graham is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
