Browns 48, Steelers 37
It still feels a little like a dream. Before you even had a chance to sit down and crack open your first beer, the football was being snapped over Ben Roethlisberger’s head, rolling into the end zone and being recovered by the Browns for a touchdown. They were up 7-0 literally in the blink of an eye. That sort of thing simply only happens to the Browns, never to their opponent.
It snowballed from there. Despite missing Denzel Ward and Kevin Johnson, the Browns still forced Big Ben into four interceptions, allowing the offense to pack a big enough nest egg that once the Steelers offense got going, it no longer really mattered.
Speaking of the offense, Baker Mayfield and company kept humming even without their lead maestro. Outside of a lull in the 3rd quarter, Alex Van Pelt was fantastic calling plays, in particular a screen pass that Nick Chubb took 40 yards for a TD when the Browns were gasping for more breathing room. Even as the Steelers were in the midst of a furious comeback, the Mayfield and the Browns kept pushing. If there were questions about Mayfield’s place in this team’s future, those have been erased from the page.
And so the Browns miraculous season continues, as they head to Arrowhead Stadium to face the defending Super Bowl champs next Sunday. Without their head coach, a smattering of assistants, multiple cornerbacks and two starting offensive linemen, the Browns waltzed into Pittsburgh and left skid marks all over the Steelers. This is a fever dream. — Jordan Zirm
ICYMI
Browns-Chiefs next Sunday at 3:05 p.m.
The Browns also matched a record with 28 first quarter points
The Cavs also applied for a hardship exception as the roster remains ravaged by injuries
Francisco Lindor said goodbye to Cleveland via Instagram
Carlos Carrasco said goodbye too in his own heartfelt message
How the sports world reacted to the Browns’ win
One thing to read today
At BR, Kalyn Kahler dives into how the Browns broke their playoff drought
Who we are
Chris Manning: Site Manager at Fear the Sword, co-host of the Locked on Cavs podcast, words at places like Cleveland Magazine and Forbes. On Twitter @cwmwrites
Jordan Zirm: Social editor at @TheCheckdown. Formerly of ESPN Cleveland. Words at B/R, SB Nation and UPROXX. Host of The Rebuild podcast. On Twitter @clevezirm
Alex Hooper: Contributor at Fantasy Sports Insight. Former Cleveland Baseball Club beat writer for 92.3 the Fan (WKRK), and contributor at Sports Illustrated, Let’s Go Tribe, and the News-Herald. On Twitter @lexhooper.