At a Glance
- Myles Garrett said a win mattered more than the NFL single-season sack record.
- The Browns beat the Steelers 13-6, snapping a four-game losing streak.
- The victory halted Pittsburgh’s bid for the AFC North title.
- Why it matters: The win keeps the Browns’ playoff hopes alive and ends a long losing streak.
After a season of disappointment, Cleveland’s star pass rusher Myles Garrett shifted focus from breaking a record to securing a win. The Browns’ 13-6 triumph over the Steelers not only snapped a four-game skid but also halted Pittsburgh’s bid for the AFC North title.
Game Highlights
The Browns jumped to a 10-0 lead on the first two possessions, with Shedeur Sanders completing 17 of 23 passes for 186 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. Rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. scored the only touchdown, his third in four games, while Andre Szmyt added two field goals, including a 33-yard kick.
Pittsburgh struggled to find the end zone, with Aaron Rodgers completing 21 of 39 passes for 168 yards. The Steelers were held scoreless and faced a fourth-and-goal that ended with Denzel Ward blocking Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s pass.
Myles Garrett recorded six pressures on 39 pass rushes, was double-teamed 16 times, yet the defense forced a turnover on downs at the 22-yard line.
- Final score: 13-6
- Browns’ early lead: 10-0 after first quarter
- Garrett: 6 pressures, 16 double-teams
- Rodgers: 21 of 39, 168 yards
- Fannin: 1 touchdown
- Szmyt: 2 field goals (33-yard)
Key Quotes and Analysis
Myles Garrett stated:
> It feels great. They’re our rival, we always want to beat them, doesn’t matter the circumstances. So glad to have opportunity to do it and get the job done.
Aaron Rodgers said:
> I have full confidence we’ll go home and win next week.
Kevin Stefanski commented:
> Outstanding, and a bunch of individual efforts. Obviously, Myles getting all the attention he got. I thought (cornerback) Tyson (Campbell) was outstanding.
> I thought (linebacker) Carson (Schwesinger) battled and fought like he always does and ends up tackling the guy to the ground. You know, just a bunch of individual efforts and just that was what was required today.
Mike Tomlin remarked:
> I didn’t think we played poorly. I thought the game was kind of unfolding in the way that you would anticipate, but we never made that signature play that kind of got us over the hump.
The win marks the first time since December 10, 2009 that the Browns have defeated the Steelers without allowing a touchdown, and the seventh time in Rodgers’ 256 starts that his offense has gone touchdown-less.
| Team | Player | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steelers | TE Darnell Washington | Broken arm |
| Browns | Harold Fannin Jr. | Groin injury (out) |
| Browns | Wyatt Teller | Calf injury |
| Browns | Tevin Jenkins | Concussion |
The Steelers will host Baltimore next weekend, while the Browns finish the season at Cincinnati.
Key Takeaways
- Browns’ 13-6 win keeps playoff hopes alive.
- Garrett chose a win over a record-breaking sack season.
- Steelers’ loss stalls their AFC North chase.
With the win, the Browns not only ended a tough streak but also shifted the playoff landscape, leaving the Steelers scrambling for a title.
