The Cleveland Browns have endured a tough season. They came into Thursday’s game with a 2-8 record. There hasn’t been anything to celebrate about.
But on Thursday night, the Browns gave their supporters a win to remember.
In a blinding snowstorm that transformed the field into something out of a movie, the Browns scored a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter to defeat their AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers 24-19. Cleveland quarterback Jameis Winston made big throws when he couldn’t see his receivers downfield, and Nick Chubb scored the go-ahead touchdown with 57 seconds remaining. And despite sitting through awful football this season and a blizzard on Thursday night, Browns supporters filled the stadium in the final minute to celebrate a joyful victory.
The Browns are not heading to the playoffs. The 2024 season will be largely forgotten. However, the Browns may cherish memories of Winston rallying the squad in the snow to victory. If they could see the field through the blizzard.
Browns take the lead
The Steelers, who won a huge game over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, appeared to have a hangover in the first half.
Pittsburgh scored only three points. Kicker Chris Boswell, who has had an outstanding season, missed a kick wide right. Myles Garrett devastated the Steelers’ offense with three sacks in the first half. Garrett also forced a fumble on Russell Wilson, which the Browns recovered and converted into a field goal shortly before halftime. Cleveland led 10-3 at halftime.
The Browns completely dominated 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 one-yard loss. In the first half, the Steelers ran a fourth-down play with backup quarterback Justin Fields, and the Browns stopped him for a 2-yard loss.
Cleveland fans had to be wondering where that defense, which was also outstanding last season, went for the first 11 weeks of this season.
The Browns maintained their momentum in the second half as the snow fell faster, turning the field white. They went for it on fourth-and-goal in an early fourth-quarter drive. On a scramble, Winston jumped into the end zone and scored, and Cleveland led 18-6 after the 2-point convert.
