A convincing and satisfying 27-11 victory over the Cleveland Browns (4-7) extended the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-6) winning streak to a season-high three games, another step towards surging into the AFC playoff picture. Pittsburgh never trailed and completely dominated throughout most of the matchup against a struggling division opponent. Cleveland has lost two straight and five of six. They are now in last place in the AFC North, while the Steelers remain tied for second with the Baltimore Ravens (5-6), who defeated the New York Jets on Sunday.
Each team traded field goals on their opening drive and then the offenses stalled throughout most of the rest of the first half. It was still 3-3 when Ben Roethlisberger threw the game’s first touchdown to Antonio Brown on a 41-yard strike with 2:41 remaining in the half. Browns RB Chris Ogbonnaya fumbled on the next drive, setting up a late Shaun Suisham field goal and a 13-3 halftime lead. The start of the second half was no more kind for Cleveland, as QB Jason Campbell was hit hard from behind on a sack by William Gay, forcing a fumble that was returned by Will Allen 49 yards to the 4-yard line. Roethlisberger hit Emmanuel Sanders on the next play for the touchdown and a commanding 20-3 lead.
Cleveland’s Billy Cundiff missed a field goal late in the third quarter and Campbell was hit hard again and left the game with an injury, putting the Browns hopes in the hands of former starting QB Brandon Weeden. Weeden lost a fumble and threw an interception on consecutive drives, the latter of which was returned by Gay for a touchdown and a 27-3 advantage. The Browns had success moving the ball on offense in the fourth quarter, especially to WR Josh Gordon who had 14 receptions for 237 yards and a touchdown, but it was too little, too late. Gordon’s outstanding performance was the second in a row by an opposing receiver (Detroit’s Calvin Johnson), but it did not negatively affect the outcome for the Steelers.
Pittsburgh’s Antonio Brown, who entered the day leading the NFL in receptions, had another strong outing of his own. With six catches for 92 yards, he and Sanders (six catches, 52 yards) provided excellent targets all day for Roethlisberger, who was 22-34 for 217 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Most notably, Roethlisberger was not sacked, a credit to the offensive line that had to face Cleveland’s vaunted defensive front. Also of note for the Browns defense was the performance of CB Joe Haden, who was beaten several times in single coverage against Brown. The Steelers defense, meanwhile, had a season-high five sacks of either Campbell or Weeden, and forced a season-high four turnovers.
Cleveland actually outgained Pittsburgh in yardage in the game, but the turnovers and big plays were the difference. With losses by other Wild Card contenders New York and Miami, Pittsburgh moves into better playoff position in a tight race for the sixth and final AFC berth. Cincinnati (7-4) had a bye week so Pittsburgh moved to within two games of them in the standings with five games remaining and a head-to-head matchup in Pittsburgh in Week 15 at Heinz Field. The Steelers have a short week to prepare for a visit to Baltimore on Thanksgiving night, at 8:30 on NBC.
