Browns Edge Steelers 27-24 on 56-Yard Szmyt Field Goal for Third Straight Win

Q: How will the Browns' makeshift offensive line hold up against the Steelers' adjustments in the crucial second half?

Cleveland’s patched-together line should be under much more stress after halftime, and how long Watson keeps this up will likely depend on whether the Browns can keep the protection plan simple and quick. The concern is real. Cleveland came in already shorthanded up front, with center Elgton Jenkins out and depth being tested by Pittsburgh’s defensive front. The Browns’ first half worked because Watson was decisive, completed 14 of 17 passes, and got the ball to rookies Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion on rhythm. That limited the time Pittsburgh had to expose backup and inexperienced blockers. The Steelers are likely to answer with more interior pressure and simulated rush looks in the second half, especially at center and guard, where Cleveland is most vulnerable. Even if Pittsburgh has not been one of the league’s heaviest blitz teams overall, it has the personnel to change the picture after the snap and force communication errors from a makeshift line. That is the area to watch most closely. Cleveland’s best counter is not asking the line to hold blocks for long. Expect more quick throws, movement from Watson, tight end help, and a continued run-game emphasis with Quinshon Judkins and Jaleel McLaughlin. If the Browns stay ahead of the chains and avoid obvious passing downs, the line can hold up well enough. If the game script turns into longer third downs, though, Pittsburgh’s adjustments could flip the matchup quickly.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 2

Andre Szmyt drilled a 56-yard field goal after Cleveland answered Pittsburgh’s tying drive, lifting the Browns to a 27-24 home win and their third straight victory.
Deshaun Watson set up the kick with an efficient night—268 passing yards and a touchdown—as Cleveland turned a 21-10 halftime lead into a 3-1 start.
Aaron Rodgers threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns but also two interceptions, and the loss left him 13-8 on Thursday nights instead of tying Tom Brady’s 14-win mark.
Cleveland’s win in the rivals’ 150th meeting pushed the Browns into first place in the AFC North, while Pittsburgh fell to 0-10 in road games against division opponents.