The Cleveland Browns secured a 27-24 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night, moving into first place in the AFC North division with a 3-1 record to start the season.
Deshauan Watson delivered another solid performance in what continues to shape into a remarkable return to form, passing for 268 yards and a touchdown. His steady play has positioned him as an early candidate for comeback player of the year honors, a designation few would have predicted given the circumstances surrounding his previous seasons.
The Browns’ quarterback moved his team into field goal range during the decisive fourth-quarter drive, setting up kicker Andre Szmyt for a 56-yard field goal that proved to be the difference. The kick came after Pittsburgh had tied the game at 24 with an eight-play, 80-yard scoring drive.
For Pittsburgh, quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 299 yards through the air with three touchdowns, though two interceptions hampered his effort. The loss marked Rodgers’ eighth defeat in Thursday night games against 13 victories, ending his pursuit of Tom Brady’s record of 14 Thursday night wins, at least for this season.
The defeat also extended a troubling trend for the Steelers, who fell to 0-10 in road games against AFC North opponents. This statistic represents a significant concern for Pittsburgh as divisional play intensifies throughout the season.
Cleveland defensive back Denzel Ward recorded one of the two interceptions off Rodgers, providing crucial momentum for the Browns in the first quarter. The Cleveland defense proved opportunistic when necessary, forcing turnovers at critical moments.
Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, who entered the contest with an 11-5 record on Thursday nights, saw his team unable to maintain the momentum they had built with four victories in their previous five Thursday night appearances.
This marked the 150th meeting between these storied rivals, franchises separated by a mere 135 miles. The historic nature of this rivalry continues to produce competitive football, and Thursday’s contest lived up to that tradition.
Before the game, Rodgers addressed the challenges of Thursday night football. “I just suck it up for those three hours and then know you get a reward on the back end,” he told reporters. “I think it’s part of the game now because of the money that is in it.”
The victory represents significant progress for Cleveland, which entered Week 4 with a 2-1 record for the first time since 2023. The Browns now sit atop the AFC North standings as the season approaches its midpoint.
Watson’s continued effectiveness has been the driving force behind Cleveland’s strong start. His ability to move the offense efficiently in crucial situations, particularly in the fourth quarter when games are decided, demonstrates a level of composure that had been absent from his recent campaigns.
As the season progresses, the Browns will look to maintain their position atop the division, while Pittsburgh must address its struggles in divisional road games if the Steelers hope to remain competitive in what continues to be one of football’s most challenging divisions.
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