Tested Steelers Overcome Browns 31-28 in Pittsburgh

 

Yes, they were tested.  Yes, this was a different Browns team.  But, just like they have done so often in the recent past against their rivals – the Steelers found a way.  Trailing 21-6 at one point, 21-9 at the half, and 28-24 in the fourth quarter, the Steelers pulled out their biggest win of the season Sunday, stopping the suddenly game Cleveland Browns 31-28 at Heinz Field.

The Browns, to their credit, played well enough on defense to make it a game, and if there is one player the Steelers are having nightmares about today it’s Browns kick returner Josh Cribbs.  All Cribbs did Sunday was take back one kickoff 90 yards to set up the Browns second score, and then muff a kickoff after the Steelers took the lead 24-21 and race 100 yards down the sideline to give the Browns a 28-24 lead.

Not to be denied, Ben Roethlisberger and the offense came right back, converting two HUGE third downs as they marched towards the end zone to regrab the lead 31-28 after Ben found Heath Miller with a laser in the end zone with just over 3 minutes left.  The defense also gets major props, as they clamped down on the Browns in the second half, and despite allowing a few plays on their last drive to try a 52-yard field goal attempt, they basically shut the Browns out totally in the third and fourth quarters.

Not to say that there were some negatives that the Steelers encountered on this gloomy day that turned into sunshine by about 4:15.  For one, coach Mike Tomlin has to be distraught about the kickoff coverage.  Allowing one kick return was bad enough – but TWO!?  Secondly, the defense did allow the Browns to march down the field and score with what looked like ease on their opening drive.  And three, the protection was not great for Ben on Sunday, and the O-line has to continue to get better or Ben’s going to get killed.

But, all in all it was a win, and now with 7 games left the Steelers can basically print the AFC North Champion t-shirts unless they simply fall apart.  Even better was the Colts losing to San Diego, which means right now the Steelers actually are the #2 seed in the AFC, as they have only lost one AFC game (Denver), while the Colts have dropped two (New England and San Diego).

Nevermind that, as there is a lot of football left, but for now the Steelers showed a lot of heart in beating a team that played like they had nothing to lose.