By Jared Villani
SteelerNation.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been rolling as of late and are coming off an impressive victory against the reigning NFC champion Los Angeles Rams. Unfortunately, the Steelers run of not allowing a touchdown on the opening drive this season came to an end with an early Cleveland Browns touchdown. Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield found wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. for a huge 45-yard gain, setting himself up for an easy sneak into the end-zone. Browns get off to an early 7 to 0 lead over Pittsburgh.
Mayfield looked to continue his sharp play early on in the second quarter as a 41-yard deep strike by KhaDarel Hodge did most of the damage against the Steelers on this drive. Wide receiver Jarvis Landry joined in on the action with a 25-yard catch as well as one-yard touchdown grab to cap off the drive. Cleveland adds to their lead, now 14 to 0.
The Browns defense did everything they could to make Mason Rudolph's evening a stressful one, but losing both of your top offensive weapons early on in James Conner and JuJu Smith-Schuster surely didn't do Rudolph any favors. Conner left the game with a shoulder injury and Smith-Schuster would leave with a concussion so the Steelers would go into the second half with a "next man up" approach.
The Steelers opened up the second half suffering another injury, this time rookie wide receiver Diontae Johnson took a nasty helmet to helmet hit from Damarious Randall. Randall was rightfully ejected, but a scary sight as Johnson was seen bleeding from his right ear.
Pittsburgh made the most of this drive, taking advantage of an undisciplined Cleveland secondary after a costly pass interference call on rookie Greedy Williams finally put the Steelers in the red-zone. Rudolph found running back Jaylen Samuels for a three-yard touchdown. Steelers get on the board, now trailing 14 to 7.
.@Rudolph2Mason finds @JaySam1k for a score‼️ pic.twitter.com/76hCaFYg6O
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 15, 2019
Unfortunately, after the Steelers found the end-zone, they could not catch a single break for the rest of the evening as Rudolph struggled mightily. Rudolph gifted the Browns' offense the ball well-within the red-zone and Mayfield took advantage with a strike to tight end Stephen Carlson for an eight-yard touchdown to put the Browns up 21 to 7.
Unfortunately, the game would end with a Steelers loss, but more significantly were the ugly, final events of this game. Suspensions will certainly be handed out following this game.
.@MylesLGarrett - There are consequences for your actions, young man. I hope you learn from this and understand that you did more harm to the game, than good.
The league will hand out a punishment and you need to accept it.
pic.twitter.com/S9Dd8AYqiV— WALTER JONES (@BigWalt71) November 15, 2019
Steelers Stat Leaders
Mason Rudolph 23 for 44 241 Yards 1 Touchdown 4 Interceptions
Jaylen Samuels 5 Rushes 26 Yards
James Washington 3 Receptions for 49 Yards
Javon Hargrave 9 Tackles
