Dawgs By Nature
The Browns put together a positive performance to help change the narrative on a disappointing season.
The Cleveland Browns pulled out an improbable victory against the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football. On a night when the weather was supposed to be in the background, the snow delivered its effect on the lakefront while capturing the attention of a national audience.
Cleveland appeared up to the task early of keeping the game a close one. The defense matched the expected physicality from Pittsburgh while the Steelers managed to kick a field goal early.
The Browns would battle back and cap a drive off with a touchdown run by Nick Chubb to take the lead. Myles Garrett would take over the remainder of the half by sacking Russell Wilson three times, one of which led to a fumble recovered by Winston Reid.
The weather became the storyline in the second half as the Browns extended their lead. Jameis Winston connected to receivers like Jerry Jeudy when it mattered most while the skies let loose an impressive amount of snow.
Winston would extend the Browns lead with a touchdown scramble early in the fourth quarter. The Steelers would score back-to-back touchdowns after capitalizing on a fumble to take the lead with just over six minutes remaining.
The Browns would ultimately respond after Winston drove the team down the field and Chubb scored his second touchdown on the night to take the lead. The defense held on the final drive to seal the win.
It was a magnificent night in Cleveland and will be remembered for years to come. Now let’s dish out some grades for the night. It was a solid performance in all three phases.
The conditions made it difficult but the Browns delivered overall. It was a gritty performance led by Nick Chubb with Winston connecting with receivers in big moments.
Garrett set the tone early and the defense came up big. Missed tackles and effort weren’t questionable tonight. It may have been the best game of Juan Thornhill’s tenure as a Brown.
Dustin Hopkins made his kicks and the coverage units contained the Steelers all night from having much of an impact.
