Browns rally past Steelers in the snow, 24-19

The Cleveland Browns have had a rough season. They entered Thursday's game with a 2-8 record. There hasn't been a lot to cheer about.

The Cleveland Browns entered Thursday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers with a dismal 2-8 record, leaving fans with scant moments to celebrate this season. But on a snowy Thursday night, the Browns delivered a victory that will linger in the memory banks.

In a blinding snowstorm that transformed the field into a scene from a winter movie, the Browns mounted a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter to defeat their AFC North-leading rivals 24-19. Cleveland QB Jameis Winston connected on some clutch throws despite barely being able to spot his receivers downfield, and Nick Chubb scored the go-ahead touchdown with 57 seconds remaining. And the Browns fans, who endured both a poor football season and a blizzard on Thursday night, still packed the stadium in the final minute to celebrate a thrilling victory.

The Browns' playoff hopes are extinguished, and the 2024 season will largely be forgettable. But the Browns can cherish some fond memories of Winston leading the team to a victory in the snow. If only they could see the field through that blizzard.

Browns seize the early lead

The Steelers, who notched a crucial victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, appeared sluggish in the first half.

Pittsburgh managed only three points. Kicker Chris Boswell, who's had a stellar season, notably missed a field goal attempt wide right. Myles Garrett wreaked havoc on the Steelers' offense, racking up three sacks in the first half. Garrett also forced a fumble by Russell Wilson, which the Browns recovered and converted into a field goal just before halftime. Cleveland held a 10-3 lead at the break.

The Browns were simply dominating the game up front on defense. In the third quarter, the Steelers went for it on fourth-and-1, but Jaylen Warren was stopped for a 1-yard loss. In the first half, the Steelers brought in backup QB Justin Fields for a fourth-down play and had him run the ball, which the Browns stuffed for a 2-yard loss.

Browns fans had to be left wondering where this defense, which was also exceptional last season, was during the first 11 weeks of this season.

The Browns maintained the momentum in the second half as the snow intensified, blanketing the field in white. On a drive early in the fourth quarter, they went for it on fourth-and-goal. Winston scrambled into the end zone for a touchdown, and the subsequent 2-point conversion gave Cleveland an 18-6 lead.

In the snow, that seemed like a commanding lead, but Pittsburgh wasn't about to surrender.

Steelers rally in 4th quarter

The Steelers sparked their comeback with a big play from Fields. Fields took off on a 30-yard run down the sideline, marking the first time the Steelers had hit a big play in a while. That ignited Pittsburgh's offense. After a roughing the passer penalty followed by an unsportsmanlike call on Cleveland, Warren punched in a 3-yard touchdown, bringing the Steelers back into the game.

Then Pittsburgh’s defense stepped up with a key play. Nick Herbig hit Winston in the snow, jarring the ball loose. The Steelers recovered at Cleveland’s 27-yard line. The Steelers still had to execute an offensive drive in the snow to take the lead, facing a third-and-6. Wilson launched a pass to the end zone, and Calvin Austin III hauled in a 23-yard touchdown reception. The Steelers failed to convert the 2-point attempt but took a 19-18 lead.

The Browns had to put together their own scoring drive in nearly whiteout conditions. Somehow, Winston completed a 26-yard pass to Jerry Jeudy, advancing Cleveland into Steelers territory. But Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson intercepted Winston with 4:22 to go.

It was the Browns' turn to show some resilience.

Cleveland’s defense held strong after that, and the Steelers' ensuing punt traveled only 16 yards under pressure in brutal conditions. Cleveland had another shot to win, starting at Pittsburgh’s 46-yard line with more than three minutes remaining. Jeudy caught a huge fourth-down pass to keep the drive alive. Winston hit Jeudy again on a third down for 15 yards to move inside the 10-yard line. The Browns ensured they wouldn't have to attempt a field goal in the snow, as Chubb scored on a 2-yard run to give Cleveland a 24-19 lead. The Browns knocked down a Hail Mary attempt on the final play to secure the victory.

For the Steelers, it's a damaging loss after an 8-2 start coming in. But for the Browns, it will be the highlight of their season.

A very specific yet frustrating losing streak.

Still unclear what happened with George Pickens.

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