The Cleveland Browns delivered another dramatic fourth-quarter finish Thursday night, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-24 on Andre Szmyt’s career-long 56-yard field goal with just 10 seconds remaining.
The Browns appeared to have control after building a 21-7 halftime advantage, but Pittsburgh mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback and tied the game at 24 with less than two minutes left.
That left Cleveland needing one more clutch possession — and Deshaun Watson delivered.
Watson completed four of five passes for 46 yards on the decisive drive, moving Cleveland into field-goal range before Szmyt calmly converted from 56 yards to give the Browns their third consecutive victory.
Watson Comes Through Again in the Fourth Quarter
Watson finished the night 24-of-33 for 268 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
The Browns quarterback has now led a game-winning fourth-quarter drive in three consecutive games, according to AP reporting. His final possession against Pittsburgh covered 36 yards over seven plays and put Cleveland in position for the winning kick.
It was another example of Cleveland responding after an opponent had erased its advantage.
The Steelers had tied the game at 24 after Aaron Rodgers connected with Pat Freiermuth for a 3-yard touchdown and then converted the two-point attempt himself with a quarterback sneak.
Instead of allowing the comeback to become a loss, Watson and the Browns offense immediately answered.
Andre Szmyt Delivers a Career-Long Field Goal
With the score tied and the clock approaching the final seconds, Andre Szmyt stepped onto the field for a 56-yard attempt.
The kick sailed through the uprights with 10 seconds remaining, giving Cleveland a 27-24 advantage.
It was the longest field goal of Szmyt’s career and one of the biggest kicks of the Browns’ season so far. Cleveland had already received a 44-yard field goal from Szmyt earlier in the fourth quarter.
The Browns’ special teams unit ultimately provided the final points in a game that had several momentum swings.
Steelers Complete Dramatic Fourth-Quarter Comeback
Pittsburgh entered the fourth quarter trailing by 11 points, but the Steelers refused to go away.
After a Robert Spears-Jennings interception helped change the momentum, Pittsburgh’s offense began finding openings against Cleveland’s defense.
Rodgers connected with Darnell Washington for a 21-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to five points. Cleveland responded with Szmyt’s 44-yard field goal, but Pittsburgh eventually drove 80 yards on eight plays to tie the game.
Rodgers found Freiermuth for the late touchdown, then scored the two-point conversion himself.
Suddenly, a game that looked like Cleveland’s to control was tied at 24 with 1:42 remaining.
Rodgers Has a Big Night but Two Interceptions Prove Costly
Aaron Rodgers produced 299 passing yards and three touchdowns, completing 22 of 40 attempts.
He connected with several different Pittsburgh targets, including DK Metcalf, who finished with five receptions for 115 yards.
Rodgers also helped orchestrate Pittsburgh’s late comeback, but his two interceptions were costly.
The final turnover came with just one second remaining. Grant Delpit intercepted Rodgers at the Cleveland 18-yard line, effectively ending Pittsburgh’s last opportunity to respond to Szmyt’s field goal.
The Browns’ defense also recorded five sacks during the game.
Browns Build Early Lead
Pittsburgh struck first, scoring on a 12-yard touchdown reception by Roman Wilson during the opening quarter.
Cleveland responded with three touchdowns in the second quarter.
Jaleel McLaughlin broke loose for a 28-yard rushing touchdown before Quinshon Judkins scored from two yards out. Watson then connected with tight end Harold Fannin Jr. for a 2-yard touchdown.
Those three scores gave Cleveland a 21-7 advantage.
Pittsburgh added a field goal just before halftime, leaving the Browns ahead 21-10 at the break.
Cleveland’s Defense Makes Several Key Plays
Although the Browns surrendered Pittsburgh’s late comeback, the defense produced important plays throughout the game.
Cleveland recorded five sacks and two interceptions, with Delpit’s final interception sealing the victory.
Denzel Ward also intercepted Rodgers earlier in the game.
The Browns were particularly effective at creating pressure, forcing Pittsburgh’s quarterback to operate under difficult circumstances for much of the night.
Key Performers
For Cleveland, Watson’s 268 passing yards were complemented by strong contributions from the running and receiving games.
Denzel Boston recorded four catches for 89 yards, including a 60-yard reception that helped spark Cleveland’s second-quarter scoring.
McLaughlin added a 28-yard touchdown run, while Judkins scored his first touchdown of the season.
For Pittsburgh, Jaylen Warren finished with 93 rushing yards on 17 carries and added 33 receiving yards. Metcalf’s 115 receiving yards also helped keep the Steelers within striking distance.
Browns Move to 3-1
The victory moves Cleveland to 3-1, giving the Browns their first 3-1 start since 2021.
It also extends Cleveland’s current Thursday Night Football winning streak to eight games, according to AP reporting. Four of those victories have come against Pittsburgh.
For Pittsburgh, the loss drops the Steelers to 2-2.
The result was particularly painful after the Steelers erased an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter and appeared to have created a chance to win or force overtime.
Instead, Watson’s late drive and Szmyt’s 56-yard kick gave Cleveland the final word.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Both teams will return to action on October 11.
The Steelers are scheduled to host the Indianapolis Colts, while the Browns will travel to face the New York Jets.
For Cleveland, the victory continues a three-game winning streak and adds another late-game comeback to the team’s season.
For Pittsburgh, the focus will turn to limiting turnovers, improving late-game execution and finding ways to finish games after putting itself in position to win.
The Browns ultimately survived a dramatic second-half comeback and secured one of the most memorable finishes of the young NFL season — with Watson’s final drive and Szmyt’s 56-yard field goal providing the difference.