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Kevin Stefanski breaks down the sequence that led to Browns' win over Steelers | News & Notes

The Browns overcame a fourth quarter deficit in their division win over the Steelers

Browns Steelers News and Notes Week 12

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski addressed the media the day after an electrifying win over the Steelers on Thursday Night Football.

The Browns overcame a fourth quarter deficit, storming back in the snow for a 24-19 win over their division rival.

Here are the top news and notes from Stefanski's time with the media.

The sequence that won the Browns the game

Entering the fourth quarter, the Browns held a two-score lead after QB Jameis Winston tumbled into the end zone and completed a pass to David Njoku for a successful two-point conversion.

However, their lead quickly dissipated after the Steelers scored two touchdowns in under six minutes to retake a one-point lead with just over six minutes remaining in the game.

What transpired was a sequence of complementary football that Stefanski said displayed the Browns' resilience in a snowy win on Thursday Night Football.

"So, when you're talking about being resilient, you have to show it," Stefanski said. "And I thought our guys did that last night and they did it really as a team."

After the Steelers pulled ahead, Winston threw an interception in Pittsburgh territory, giving the Steelers a chance to extend their lead late in the fourth quarter. But the defense stepped up, holding the Steelers to just six yards on their only three-and-out of the game. On the ensuing punt, LB Nathaniel Watson and DE Elerson G. Smith pushed the Steelers blockers back to force a 15-yard punt from Steelers P Corliss Waitman.

Taking advantage of the good field position, Winston led a 45-yard drive capped by RB Nick Chubb's second rushing touchdown of the game.

"I just think it was an example of complementary football and was the way for us to show that resiliency," Stefanski said of the sequence that won the Browns the game.

Cleveland Browns celebrate postgame after a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 21, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field

Let it snow

A first half that saw some light precipitation quickly turned Huntington Bank Field into a winter wonderland in the second half.

As the snow settled on the field, it became more difficult for players to keep their footing on the suddenly slippery surface.

"So, the second half really was the game that we thought we may get really all week, with the first half being normal conditions with wind somewhat of a factor. So, really had a first half where we stuck to a 'normal' game plan," Stefanski said. "And then that second half, there were definitely some adjustments by both teams because of the footing."

While the Browns were able to lead a comeback in the fourth quarter amidst the weather, the wind and precipitation affected their gameplan in all three phases.

On their final drive, a field goal would have been sufficient for the Browns to retake the lead, only trailing the Steelers by a point. However, even when they encountered fourth down from the Pittsburgh 24-yard line, Stefanski said after the game that a field goal was never in consideration.

"My mindset was fourth-and-whatever the distance was," Stefanski said. "I was not going to kick from back there. I don't think it's in those conditions, into the Dawg Pound with that footing, you'd have to kick a really short field goal down there."

The Browns prepared all week in anticipation of the poor weather, and multiple players expressed their appreciation for the equipment staff for keeping them warm and for providing spikes for their cleats designed to provide traction in the snow.

"Shout out to the equipment staff for giving us our screw-ons man," Winston said after the game. "It was good, but it snowed, man. It wasn't the best footing, but this is football, right? This is Cleveland, Ohio."

Play-by-play action shots from the Cleveland Browns' Week 12 NFL game vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers

Injury updates

Other than an injury to WR Cedric Tillman, the Browns left their win over the Steelers without any major injuries, according to Stefanski.

Tillman suffered a concussion in the second half and did not return to the game. He is in the concussion protocol. He finished the game with two receptions for 28 yards and a lost fumble.

On the season, Tillman has 29 receptions for 339 yards and three touchdowns.

The Browns will have the weekend off to recover from Thursday night's game before they travel to Denver on Monday Night Football, where they will take on the 6-5 Broncos on Dec. 2.

"Proud of the guys for being able to come out on top and finish the game like we did. They'll get a little bit of a break here over this weekend and then we're right back at it with Monday Night Football versus against a very good AFC opponent in Denver. So, that's where our focus will very quickly turn," Stefanski said.

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