Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns offense got the first chance to put points on the board The only play worth noting was when Mayfield found Damion Ratley to keep the offensive drive going on 3rd and 6 for a 21-yard gain. Greg Joseph hit a field goal from 34 yards out to give Cleveland a 3-0 lead over Pittsburgh.
Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense struggled early on in this one. Roethlisberger tried getting the ball to a JuJu Smith-Schuster when Christian Kirksey batted the ball and Derrick Kindred came up with the interception.
Nick Chubb opened up the drive for Cleveland with nice runs of 20 and 11 yards. The Steelers defense remained strong in the passing game, forcing Cleveland to settle for another field goal. This time from 45 yards, Cleveland now lead 6-0.
Cleveland's Myles Garrett put an end to yet another offensive drive for Pittsburgh, beating Alejandro Villanueva and getting to Big Ben for the sack. The Steelers look very rusty after their bye week, failing to pick a first down in the 1st quarter.
Ben Roethlisberger connected with Antonio Brown for the Steelers first 1st down of the game. Big Ben found his favorite target once more, this time for a 43-yard touchdown. Chris Boswell nailed the extra point to give Pittsburgh a 7-6 lead over the Browns.
Might wanna throw someone on that @AB84 guy. pic.twitter.com/V7B0J4qHmy
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 28, 2018
Baker Mayfield and Nick Chubb were finding a groove on offense, but Joe Haden made a beautiful play to intercept a deep pass intended for Damion Ratley.
Perfectly played. pic.twitter.com/qwD3cK5XCH
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 28, 2018
James Conner chipped away at Cleveland's defense with ease early on, then Big Ben found JuJu for a 19-yard gain to place the Steelers securely in the red-zone. JuJu kept the drive alive again on a late 4th down call, and this play set up Antonio Brown for his second score of the game. Steelers lead Cleveland 14-6.
Doing what he does best. pic.twitter.com/zHRrqnnBKU
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 28, 2018
Pittsburgh did not open up the second half on the best note. Roethlisberger found Stevan Ridley for a short reception, but Ridley coughed the ball up and gave the ball back to Cleveland.
The most bizarre sequence of events unfolded next as the Browns got called on a holding play in their own end-zone to result in a safety for Pittsburgh. Steelers lead 16 to 6 after the safety. However, on the kick Roosevelt Nix signaled for a fair catch, and Ryan Switzer let the all go. Cleveland recovered the ball in great field position due the miscommunication on a live kick.
The Browns took advantage of the Steelers mishap, as Baker Mayfield found Antonio Callaway for a 1-yard touchdown as a result of several Steelers penalties. Greg Joseph gifted the Steelers with a missed extra point opportunity. Steelers lead 16 to 12 with a little over 5 minutes left in the third quarter.
James Conner put the offense on his back for the Steelers next drive, gashing the Browns defense every step of the way. Aside from a 15-yard reception from Antonio Brown, James Conner did it all and ultimately cruised in for a 12-yard touchdown. The Steelers lead 23 to 12.
Man on a mission. pic.twitter.com/ThmaM5t4Is
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 28, 2018
Pittsburgh got the ball in excellent field position on their next drive. The Steelers couldn't quite cap off the drive, Chris Boswell came in and knocked in a 45-yard field goal to put Pittsburgh up 26 to 12.
The Steelers got rookie Jaylen Samuels involved in this game a bit after Ridley coughed the ball up earlier in the game. If we have learned anything at this point it's that James Conner is indeed a man on a mission. Presumably finishing off the Browns for the day with a 22-yard touchdown run.
Sealing the deal. pic.twitter.com/Aj9U8VuyIF
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 28, 2018
The Browns capped off a 9-play drive with a Baker Mayfield hitting Seth DeValve for 24 yards, chipping away at their deficit.
The Steelers had no intentions of letting this one go to overtime, dominating the Browns for a 33 to 18 victory.
Pittsburgh Stat Leaders
Passing: Ben Roethlisberger 24-36 257 Yds 2 Tds 1 Int
Rushing: James Conner 24 for 146 Yds 2 Tds
Receiving: Antonio Brown 6 for 74 Yds 2 Tds
Defense: T.J. Watt 7 Tackles 1 Sack
