The Browns looked to come into Pittsburgh to play spoiler and sweep the season series against the Steelers. They fell short of those hopes, as they lost to the Steelers 27-14, and dropped to 3-10 on the season. The Browns were also officially eliminated from playoff contention.
"You can't go on the road, be minus-2 in the turnover margin, miss a couple of kicks, hard to win that way," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "We put ourselves in a really tough position. And unfortunately, against a very good football team, did not get out of that. So, really, disappointed with that. And we'll just get back to work."
Here are three takeaways from the Browns' loss to the Steelers.
Jameis Winston and offense struggles with consistency in the passing game
While QB Jameis Winston only threw two interceptions, he struggled to connect consistently with his pass catchers over the course of the game. He found the end zone twice on pass plays and spread the ball around to eight different pass catchers – with WR Jerry Jeudy leading the Browns with five receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown. However, he also overthrew a number of players as he looked for players deep or tried to make a play.
"Yes, I was cautious – this is a good defense," Winston said. "When they do things schematically to limit us, I'm not trying to take sacks. I'm trying to get the ball out of my hands. I did my best to take advantage when the opportunities were given, but some opportunities weren't there early. So, I had to throw the ball away. I did miss a few opportunities that were there, and I'm going to drill those and get better from those. Those two throws – and again, it only takes two throws – those two throws were going to be outcome-oriented. I felt like my decision was good.
His first interception occurred in the second quarter on a pass intended for RB Nick Chubb. Steelers DT Keeanu Benton returned the interception for 11 yards to set up the Steelers in good field position.
Winston said he did not see Benton as he looked to find Chubb for the completion.
"That was the main thing about that play," Winston explained. "He made a good play. He read the screen trying to get Nick Chubb an opportunity. Saw Jack Conklin seal the right side. My job is to put it on the inside shoulder and that's where I threw the ball, and No. 95 came off and picked the ball off."
Over the course of the game as the Steelers built a two-score lead, the Browns had to turn more to the passing game in order to move the ball downfield and create opportunities to score.
Winston's second interception came late in the fourth quarter after the Browns defense forced a fumble and recovered the ball. On a pass intended for WR Elijah Moore, the pass was picked off by CB James Pierre.
"It was a perfect throw," Winston said. "And I'm going to continue to say that it was a perfect throw. But we all have to be at the right place at the right time, and I think the cornerback did a great job of overlapping. In that situation, when you're down by two scores and you have to push the ball down the field, it's all about precision passing. And I just wish I had that one back because, man, I had Jerome Ford right in front of me. When the team plays deep zone like that, you never go broke taking the short profit."
Winston finished the game completing 24 of 41 passing attempts for 211 yards and two touchdowns. He was also sacked three times for a loss of 16 yards and threw two interceptions. He ended the game with a rating of 68.2.
"Give them credit, they did a good job in rushing coverage," Stefanski said. "There are things that we can clean up. I think Jameis is definitely going to want some throws and decisions back like you do in every single game. But we'll learn from it."
However, Winston was able to use his legs to extend a play in the first quarter, that gave him time to find Jeudy in the end zone for a 35-yard touchdown pass. Winston also showcased his arm strength when he connected with TE David Njoku on a 15-yard touchdown pass halfway through the fourth quarter to give the Browns their second touchdown of the day.
The Browns lost the turnover margin, which they had highlighted as an element that would play an important factor in the outcome of the game.
"The most critical thing about this game is when you come into the road against a great opponent, you can't lose the turnover margin," Winston said. "And yes, some opportunities will be missed; but me, when I protect the football, and I give our defense to do what they did and find a way to get a turnover – they kept fighting and putting us in good situations – we just have to capitalize on drives as an offense."
Play-by-play action shots from the Cleveland Browns' Week 14 NFL game vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
The offense before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) and Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) and Wide receiver Michael Woods II (81) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) and Wide receiver Michael Woods II (81) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Kadarius Toney (87) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) before a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Long snapper Rex Sunahara (50) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive tackle Jowon Briggs (97) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (31) and Linebacker Nathaniel Watson (40) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
The offense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) and Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Michael Woods II (81) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Safety Juan Thornhill (1) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) and Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver James Proche II (11) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Running back Nick Chubb (24) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Tight end David Njoku (85) and Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium.
Stout defensive effort in early first half faltered
Defensively, the Browns played with a physicality that limited the success of the Steelers in the first half. They forced the Steelers into three three-and-out situations in the first quarter alone, and only gave up a field goal.
At the beginning of the second quarter, the Steelers had only one first down and were 0 of 5 on third down attempts. Yet, as the second quarter continued – and through the remainer of the game – the Browns struggled to stop the Steelers.
The Steelers found the end zone early in the second quarter on a 1-yard touchdown run from RB Najee Harris. Pittsburgh then scored touchdowns on consecutive offensive drives in the third quarter to break open the lead.
"Early got them into some tough third-and-longer situations with allowed us to use our rushing coverage and get off the field," Stefanski said. "There were times we were a little too leaky in the run game it felt like in the second half, and those are things that we will look at."
The Steelers finished the game with 15 first downs and converted 6 of 14 of third-down attempts.
DE Myles Garrett said the Steelers were in more third-and-short situations and manageable distances that allowed them to convert on those attempts.
"They were running hard," Garrett said. "(RB Jaylen) Warren broke through some tackles. Najee (Harris) broke through some tackles. Made some plays on the sideline. They had some stuff that we didn't account for as well. A couple of touchdowns, especially the one in the red zone, it was a nice play design. And we just have to be a little bit more aware of those kinds of things."
The Browns did record a takeaway, when DE Isaiah McGuire forced a fumble late in the fourth quarter and Garrett recovered the fumble. The forced fumble gave the Browns offense another shot.
Miscues on special teams
One of the biggest differences in the score in Week 14 came from the kicking game. K Dustin Hopkins missed two field goal attempts, 38-yard and 43-yard attempts, that left six points off the board.
Hopkins said he felt as if he overcompensated on the second kick that went wide right. He said while he works to hit the same ball, with some of his misses this season having gone wide left, he tried to correct with how the wind was blowing and push the ball right. However, Hopkins said he experienced late leg lock, and the ball aired too far right.
"I'm paid to make those kicks, so I want to – I want it more for my teammates, the coaching staff, ownership and this city more than I want it for myself," Hopkins said. "It's frustrating in one sense, obviously, professionally I invest a lot of time and effort into what I do. And to see it not come to fruition is frustrating."
Hopkins has dealt with some inconsistency in his field goal attempts throughout the season, as he has made 16 of 25 field goal attempts.
Yet, Stefanski reiterated following the game that Hopkins is their kicker. And while they expect him to make those kicks, Stefanski knows that Hopkins will work through the challenges he's facing and make those kicks.
"Obviously, I expect him to make those," Stefanski said. "He expects to make them. We're going to keep fighting in those scenarios. We need to come through in those situations. We've got to score sevens, and if we settle for field goals, obviously we have to make them."
Hopkins made his two extra point attempts, in the first quarter following Jeudy's touchdown and his second in the fourth quarter following a touchdown from Njoku.
As Hopkins has continued to work through an outlier season, he said he still has peace when he's on the field and making his kicks. He believes he is in a clear mental space and is not panicked.
Hopkins explained that making changes to his form is part of the kicking game and swinging. He did so during the 2023 season, when he went 33 for 36 in field goal attempts. He's made changes this season to improve. Each week he's worked through a different swing thought, feeling as if that specific swing thought will be successful.
"I just need to find a good swing. The swing has been tough to find," Hopkins said. "This is not who I am as a player, and I'm going to do everything I can within my power to be the best version of myself I can be for this team, for this city and for myself."
