Steelers at Browns: Highlights, score and recap
By James Dudko
The Pittsburgh Steelers snapped a losing streak on Sunday but taking down the Cleveland Browns.
The Steelers won at FirstEnergy Stadium with an old-fashioned formula perfect for success on the road. Specifically, the Steelers leaned on a conservative, run-heavy offense and a smothering, pressure-crazed defense.
Not surprisingly, workhorse running back Le’Veon Bell was the key man for the Pittsburgh offense. He carried the ball 17 times in the first half alone, including a 1-yard touchdown run on the final play of the half, following a marathon sequence at the goal-line.
Bell also reeled in eight passes for 55 yards. In total, the dual-threat ace accounted for 36 total touches (28 runs, 146 yards, eight catches).
The Steelers also got help from a familiar face on defense. They sacked Browns quarterbacks Cody Kessler and Josh McCown eight times, including one from James Harrison.
The takedown in the third quarter made the 38-year-old outside linebacker Pittsburgh’s all-time leading sacker, according to ESPN Stats & Info:
Harrison and the defense clamped down on a hapless Browns offense. But Pittsburgh’s O’ took time to click into gear.
Bell’s touchdown, a pair of Chris Boswell field goals and a two-point catch by David Johnson had given the Steelers a 14-0 halftime lead.
Cody Parkey finally got the Browns on the board in the third quarter, but Boswell answered right back. McCown then found tight end Gary Barnidge for a 14-yard score.
However, Pittsburgh’s eighth sack led to a McCown fumble rookie nose tackle Javon Hargrave recovered in the end zone.
Three Stars
1. Le’Veon Bell
The Steelers ask a lot from Bell. He’s expected to be a bell cow lugging the rock, as well as a sure-handed outlet catching passes.
Fortunately, for the Steelers, Bell lived up to both tags this week. He ran tough between the tackles, while being his usual slippery and nifty self around the edges.
But it’s his work as a receiver that really defines No. 26. He’s a player blessed with a terrific feel for the passing game. He understands pass concepts, route adjustments and timing out of his breaks.
Bell caught passes from everywhere against the Browns. He lined up in the slot, flexed out wide and released out of the backfield to help beat pressure.
This was a dual-threat clinic from perhaps the most versatile running back in the NFL.
2. Stephon Tuitt
Those waiting for a true breakout game from Stephon Tuitt may have seen it in Cleveland this week. The former Notre Dame D-line behemoth was in on one of Pittsburgh’s three first-half sacks. He finished with 2.5 sacks and also made six tackles.
More than just his numbers though, Tuitt was a constant menace along the line of scrimmage. He refused to yield ground in the running game and created a consistent push on the pass pocket.
The Steelers need Tuitt to mature into a game-wrecker with the more disruptive Cameron Heyward now out for the season.
Based on this showing, Tuitt proved he can grow into the role.
3. Lawrence Timmons
No defender played a bigger role in Pittsburgh’s blitz-happy gameplan than versatile linebacker Lawrence Timmons. The 30-year-old rushed from everywhere and was constantly in the faces of Browns quarterbacks.
Timmons notched a sack and was in on eight tackles. He was at his most dangerous whenever he blitzed off the edge, a reminder of his tremendous flexibility.
The Steelers are at their best defensively whenever they turn their linebackers loose. Timmons and fellow inside ‘backer Ryan Shazier caused havoc all day.
Next: NFL Week 11: Staff picks and predictions
It doesn’t help that Cameron Heyward, the Steelers best lineman, is now out for the season after tearing a pectoral muscle. Crowell is a good bet to punish a depleted line.
Next Week
The Steelers will finish off the Thanksgiving slate by meeting the Indianapolis Colts on the road next Thursday. Meanwhile, the Browns will host the New York Giants next Sunday.