The Steelers’ offense took an entire half to get in gear, but two touchdown passes by Russell Wilson finally created some breathing room and they took control in the third quarter to come away with a 27-14 win over the Cleveland Browns.
Wilson was 15-of-26 passing for 158 yards while missing his top target, wide receiver George Pickens, who was on the sidelines in street clothes with a hamstring tweak suffered in Friday’s team workout. Chris Boswell kicked two first-half field goals and Najee Harris scored on a one-yard run that came about after an interception by defensive lineman Keeanu Benton and a Browns’ pass interference penalty. In the third quarter, Wilson hit Van Jefferson for an 11-yard score and followed that up with a 20-yard strike to Pat Freiermuth for a touchdown after Elandon Roberts stuffed a fourth-and-one run by Jerome Ford, dropping him for a five-yard loss.
In addition to the interception by Benton, the Steelers got a pick by James Pierre in the fourth quarter, and Ben Skowronek recovered a muffed punt with three minutes left in the game.
Coach Mike Tomlin appreciated the way his defense picked up his offense.
Tomlin says the offense had to figure out how to approach the defensive scheme cooked up by Browns’ coordinator Jim Schwartz.
Russell Wilson ran for a couple of first downs for the Steelers. Tomlin says they have to trust his judgment about risking injury by carrying the ball.
Tomlin says his defensive line, led by Cam Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, and Keeanu Benton, is a disruptive force.
Russell Wilson says the Steelers’ offense is doing its part to win games.
Wilson says the offensive unit picked it up in the third quarter.
The Steelers now enter into the most challenging portion of the toughest schedule in the NFL, with three games in eleven days against three of the best teams…at the 11-2 Eagles on Sunday, at the 8-5 Ravens on Saturday the 21st, and home for the 12-1 Chiefs on Christmas Day. They will finish the schedule at home against the Bengals on January 5th.
Checking the rest of the AFC North, the Bengals play tonight against the Cowboys. The Ravens had their bye week this week. At 10-3, the Steelers lead the Ravens by two games in the division.
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