Browns survive late comeback to defeat Steelers

Figure caption,

Browns beat Steeelers with last-minute field goal

ByMike Peter
BBC Sport journalist
  • Published

Andre Szmyt kicked a match-winning 56-yard field goal with 10 seconds remaining as the Cleveland Browns survived a Pittsburgh Steelers comeback in a thrilling encounter at Huntington Bank Field.

Szmyt's career-best effort, followed by a late interception by safety Grant Delpit, ensured a 27-24 victory for the Browns, who have now won three consecutive games.

The hosts led 21-10 lead at the end of the third quarter, but divisional rivals Pittsburgh fought back with Aaron Rodgers finding tight end Pat Freiermuth in the endzone before adding a two-point conversion to level the scores with one minute and 42 seconds remaining.

Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson, who was booed by some Browns fans in pre-season, responded by moving his team 36 yards over seven plays to set up Szmyt's winning kick.

The Steelers led 7-0 at the end of the first quarter following a Roman Wilson touchdown, but the Browns enjoyed a dominant second period to lead by 11 at half-time.

Jaleel McLaughlin and Quinshon Judkins rushed into the endzone and Harold Fannin Jr took a scoring catch, while Chris Boswell kicked a field goal for the Steelers.

A scoreless third quarter followed, before a Darnell Washington touchdown for the Steelers closed the gap.

A 44-yard field goal from Szmyt gave the Browns some breathing room, before Rodgers, who was sacked five times and intercepted twice, threw to Freiermuth to start an exhilarating conclusion.

The Browns now lead the AFC North division for the first time since November 2014, while the Steelers sit bottom with a record of two wins and two defeats.

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