By Jared Villani
SteelerNation.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers were out to bounce back against the Cleveland Browns, only two weeks removed from a disastrous and controversial Thursday night loss. Many saw what occurred in Cleveland and for those that did, there was no question how important this matchup was.
The Browns would strike first with an Austin Seibert field goal from 31 yards out to cap off a 13-play drive by Cleveland after some impressive connections between Baker Mayfield and Jarvis Landry. Cleveland gets off to a 3-point lead over the Steelers.
It wasn't until the second quarter that there was more points added to the board, but unfortunately, it was Cleveland yet again as Mayfield found Kareem Hunt for a 15-yard touchdown. Browns now lead 10 to 0.
After the Browns success, it was Pittsburgh's turn to get their offense rolling on back to back drives. Chris Boswell continued to prove his reliability and hit from 39 yards out to chip away at Cleveland's 10-point lead, but the Steelers weren't done there.
Devlin "Duck" Hodges got his second start this season for a reason and when he has time in the pocket, Duck delivers big-time. Hodges found James Washington for a huge 30-yard touchdown to tie the game at 10. Washington showcased fantastic focus and strength to bring this grab in with suffocating coverage from Cleveland defenders.
Unbelievable touchdown grab‼️@DevlinHodges10 ➡️ @JamesWashington pic.twitter.com/Q2lVfKzjl8
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 1, 2019
Pittsburgh picked up right where they left off in the first half, this time it was the tandem of Jaylen Samuels and Benny Snell Jr. to punish Cleveland's defense. The Steelers take the lead over Cleveland for the first time in this matchup, 17 to 10.
???? First career touchdown ????@benny_snell pic.twitter.com/i0vzYcNxUn
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 1, 2019
Pittsburgh continued to add to their point total and Mr. Reliable was at it again as Chris Boswell converted a 29-yard chip shot to give the Steelers a two-score lead, 20 to 10.
After Hunt's touchdown, the Browns' offense looked completely lost and resorted to their special teams as Seibert hit his second field goal of the day. Steelers still lead 20 to 13.
The defense of the Steelers has been overlooked by injuries and position battles on the offensive end, but this unit has been absolutely incredible all season. Bud Dupree and T.J. Watt have been tremendous off the edge, while Cam Heyward and Javon Hargrave's presence up front have been equally great. It was former Browns cornerback, Joe Haden that sealed this game in the best way, by picking off Mayfield and helping his team get revenge on their "division rivals."
GIMME THAT ????@joehaden23 + #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/0i0C3hovMP
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 1, 2019
