The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to defeat the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on Sunday afternoon in a highly anticipated divisional matchup. The game ended with a final score of 38-7.
Strengths on Both Sides of the Ball
The Steelers came out ready to play as they began a strong first half.
On the first offensive drive of the game for Pittsburgh, they managed to put three points on the board. A 27-yard catch by wide receiver James Washington set up the field goal for Chris Boswell.
This was immediately followed by a 33-yard interception return from safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
The defense stepped up to stop Cleveland from converting on what could have been two big third down plays in the first quarter. Later, cornerback Cameron Sutton also recorded an interception.
To start the second quarter, James Conner scored a three-yard rushing touchdown. The next time Pittsburgh had the ball, Washington caught a wide open 28-yard pass to score a touchdown and put the Steelers up 24-7.
In the second half, the fan favorite wide receiver Chase Claypool scored his first and only touchdown of the day.
.@steelers WR @ChaseClaypool has 6 touchdowns in 2020, tied for the most by a rookie wide receiver through his first 5 career games since 1970. pic.twitter.com/cEnlqW91Eu
— NFL345 (@NFL345) October 18, 2020
This was soon followed by a touchdown from running back Benny Snell Jr., who took over for Conner.
The Steelers defense managed to hold the Browns to zero points in the second half.
2020 NFL Injury Bug Continues
Just outside of the two minute warning prior to halftime, Steelers linebacker Devin Bush went down on the sidelines with a knee injury. He did not return to the game.
“Devin Bush appears to have a significant knee injury,” Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin said in his postgame press conference. “He’s being evaluated.”
In the third quarter, Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield left the field with a rib injury. Mayfield has been battling the injury all week, but started in Sunday’s game. He was replaced by eighth-year quarterback Case Keenum.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski on why Baker Mayfield was pulled vs. Steelers: "I didn’t want to see him get hit one more time. I put that on myself. Went into this game knowing we have to keep him clean and we didn't do a good enough job."
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) October 18, 2020
About halfway through the fourth quarter, cornerback Mike Hilton sustained a shoulder injury and headed to the locker room. If he remains sidelined, Justin Layne and James Pierre will see more playing time.
Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey is also being evaluated with a foot injury.
The Steelers remain undefeated with a 5-0 record for the first time since 1978.
Featured Image Courtesy of Cleveland.com
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