Rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, in his second start, made the drive of his life to get the Browns into field goal position. DTR had three big throws on the final drive: 15 yards to Elijah Moore, 8 yards to Amari Cooper, and 11 yards to David Njoku, leading to a Dustin Hopkins 34-yard field goal.
DTR ended the day with 24 for 43 with 165 yards and an interception.
Star players need to play big in these games, and Myles Garrett had two big sacks on the day the Browns defense needed them. Garrett had one of his two sacks on the Steelers’ longest drive, helping force a field goal instead of a touchdown.
Amazingly, in a game like today, with division and playoff hopes on the line, DTR outplayed Steelers QB Kenny Pickett, throwing for more yards and completions. That was a big difference in the game late, as Pickett could not throw the ball for completions, throwing three incompletions on the drive before the Browns marched for the final field goal.
On a day when the Steelers ran the Browns and dominated most of the second half, the Browns came together on their final drive to kick the game-winning field. The defense had a great day, and this victory puts the Browns in the position to make the playoffs.
In the closing moments of the game, Dustin Hopkins secured a 13-10 victory for the Cleveland Browns over the Pittsburgh Steelers with a 34-yard field goal, prompted by the impressive performance of rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Despite making only his second NFL start and stepping in for the injured Deshaun Watson, Thompson-Robinson orchestrated a clutch sequence, completing four consecutive passes for 29 yards, setting the stage for Hopkins’ decisive kick.
The crowd, echoing “D-T-R!” chants, witnessed Thompson-Robinson’s composed play, while Watson observed from the sidelines. Last week, Hopkins had already displayed his game-winning prowess with a 40-yard field goal against the Baltimore Ravens.
In a remarkable turn of events, the Browns triumphed over both the Ravens and the Steelers in successive weeks, a feat not achieved in 15 attempts. Thompson-Robinson’s occasionally uneven performance instilled hope in Cleveland, suggesting a promising season even without Watson.
The Steelers, now 6-4, faced their 10th consecutive week of being outgained and struggled against Cleveland’s top-ranked defense. Despite a standout 74-yard touchdown run by Steelers running back Jaylen Warren, amassing a career-high 129 yards, Pittsburgh couldn’t overcome the Browns’ defensive prowess.
In the second half, the Steelers relied on their dependable defense to contain Thompson-Robinson until the final moments. However, the Browns’ rookie QB orchestrated a late-game drive, completing crucial passes and advancing the team to Pittsburgh’s 34-yard line. A Steelers’ neutral zone infraction moved the ball closer, setting the stage for Hopkins’ game-winning kick.
This loss marked a rarity for the Steelers, who had their previous nine games decided by eight points or fewer. The second half evolved into a defensive battle, with both teams vying for field position. Despite a strategic decision to briefly sideline Warren, the Steelers managed to tie the game with Chris Boswell’s 28-yard field goal.
The game featured notable plays, including Warren’s 74-yard run and Myles Garrett’s impactful sack. The contest also saw controversial officiating decisions, including a disallowed safety and a successful challenge by Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, turning a goal-line stop into a touchdown for Cleveland.
LB Anthony Walker Jr. (hamstring) left early in the second quarter after getting hurt in punt coverage. Walker threw his helmet in frustration before walking to the locker room. … S Rodney McLeod (biceps) got hurt in the second half and didn’t return.
At Denver Broncos Nov 26th, 4:05 PM
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