Steelers lead Browns, 27-3, at halftime.
Big plays were the name of the game in the first half of the Browns-Steelers Week One matchup. Pittsburgh leads the Browns, 27-3, at the half.
The Steelers came out of the gates executing a well-planned screen passing attack. Ben Roethlisberger found receiver Antonio Brown for 47 yards and Le'Veon Bell for an additional 23, both gaining majority of their yards after the catch. Pittsburgh's aerial attack continued all throughout the half, including a patented Roethlisberger 35-yard touchdown pass to Brown – all with defenders draped around the quarterback.
Roethlisberger finished the half 16-for-21 for 229 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Bell added 11 carries for 69 yards and a touchdown.
The Browns were able to click early in the game. After three straight runs to begin the game, quarterback Brian Hoyer launched a strike to tight end Jordan Cameron. The Steelers defense buckled down and forced the Browns to a field goal, and stopped Cleveland's offensive flow for the rest of the half. Ben Tate led the way with six carries for 41 yards.
Browns linebacker Paul Kruger put the hammer down on the opening drive, by sacking Roethlisberger and forcing the Steelers to a field goal. Linebacker Karlos Dansby also picked off a Roethlisberger pass in the second quarter.
