The Steelers blew an opportunity to secure a place in the playoffs and the AFC North title with a loss to the lowly Cleveland Browns on Sunday 13-6.
The Steelers could only muster two field goals from Chris Boswell in the second quarter. Along with their two field goals in the first and fourth quarters, Cleveland scored the only touchdown of the game as Shedeur Sanders hit Harold Fannin, Jr. on a 28-yard pass.
Aaron Rodgers finished the day 21-of-39 passing for 168 yards, but avoided being sacked by Myles Garrett, who is chasing the NFL’s single-season sack record. Jaylen Warren lead the Steelers running game with 12 carries for 64 yards. Pat Freiermuth was the leading receiver for the Steelers with three catches for 63 yards.
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin said that he felt the team did not make enough plays.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers said that the Steelers were not good enough on third down. The Steelers were 3 for 15 on the day.
With Baltimore winning on Saturday against the Green Bay Packers, the AFC North race will come down to the final week. The Steelers still hold on to first in the North with a 9-7 record, but Baltimore is now a game behind at 8-8. The Bengals are in third at 6-10, and Cleveland is at 4-12. Sunday night’s game now becomes an elimination game against the Ravens. If the Steelers win, they take first place in the AFC North and will play in the playoffs. If they lose, Baltimore advances and the Steelers will be eliminated.
Rodgers is not concerned about having to bounce back from a loss.
A big piece on the Steelers’ offense is unlikely to suit up again this season. Darnell Washington broke his arm in Sunday’s 13-6 loss to the Browns from Cleveland. Head coach Mike Tomlin said the tight end was ruled out after leaving late in the first quarter. Washington has about 350 receiving yards to go with a touchdown this season and was expected to take on a bigger role following DK Metcalf’s suspension.
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