Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) – Cleveland Browns (3-10): 27-14
After being surprised by the Browns and Jameis Winston (24/41, 212 yards, 2TD, 2INT) in the snow 2 weeks ago, this time Pittsburgh did not fall into Cleveland's trap.
If Jameis Winston played classic (2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions), it was above all Russell Wilson (15/26, 152 yards, 2TD) who convinced with a great second half. Pittsburgh confirms its status as number 1 in the AFC North with this complete victory.
A typical AFC North duel
Unsurprisingly, the start of the match resembles many AFC North matches: rough defense and attack which tries to do its best despite 8 forced punts.
We have to wait for a missed punt by the Browns to see Pittsburgh in the opposing field. An advantageous position from which the attack does not take full advantage with just a field goal (3-0).
Points that wake up Jameis Winston. The quarterback finds the flaw in the defense of the men of steel with 2 deep passes for his 2 strong men: 20 yards for Elijah Moore, then 35 yards and the touchdown (3-7) for Jerry Jeudy (5rec, 64 yards, 1TD ).
The Browns number 5 is again at the center of the game when under pressure, he throws the ball weakly into the pack and is intercepted. The locals start from the 40 yards and it's the punishment a few actions later with Najee Harris (16 races, 53 yards, 1TD) who enters the endzone (10-7).
The Steelers increase their lead on their next offensive series. Once again the attack advances enough to put the inexhaustible Chris Boswell in place for the field goal (13-7).
Cleveland tries to come back just before the break and misses its field goal.
Russell Wilson continues
The Browns start the second like they ended the 1st half with a missed kick. Kevin Stefanski can head, his team could be tied on the score.
We are more realistic among Pennsylvanians. Wilson continues the passes with already 7 different targets hit. He concludes with a nice fake handover to the runner before finding Van Jefferson, alone, for the touchdown (20-7).
The quarterback confirms his good dynamic with effective deep play, first for Mike Williams then for Pat Freiermuth (3rec, 48 yards, 1TD) on 20 yards and the touchdown 27-7. The leaders of the AFC North are flying on the scoreboard.
Cleveland ends the game on a rollercoaster. Jameis multiplies the passing yards and the 4th successful ones. His attack goes back 79 yards and it is David Njoku (7 rec, 42 yards, 1TD) who finishes in the endzone (27-14). The visitors even start to dream when the defense causes an opposing fumble at midfield!
Except Jameis Winston is Jameis Winston. The quarterback is intercepted 2 passes later! The dreams of a comeback are thus brutally crushed for the Browns.
