Deshaun Watson leads late drive, Andre Szmyt hits 56-yard field goal as Browns top Steelers 27-24
CLEVELAND
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Oct. 2, 2026
The Cleveland Browns rallied late as kicker Andre Szmyt converted a 56-yard field goal with 10 seconds remaining to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-24 Thursday night. Quarterback Deshaun Watson led the 7-play, 36-yard drive that set up Szmyt’s kick to give Cleveland the lead and the victory. The Browns improved to 3-1 and 2-0 at home, while the Steelers fell to 2-2 and 0-2 on the road.
Cleveland built a 21-10 advantage by halftime after scoring three times in the second quarter, including Watson’s 2-yard touchdown pass to Harold Fannin Jr. and a short touchdown run by Quinshon Judkins. Jaleel McLaughlin also had a 28-yard touchdown run in the period as the Browns balanced runs and passes to move the ball. Pittsburgh countered with a Chris Boswell 31-yard field goal as time expired in the half to keep the game within reach. The second quarter proved decisive in establishing Cleveland’s early control of the game.
Pittsburgh rallied in the fourth quarter as Aaron Rodgers threw touchdown passes to Darnell Washington and Pat Freiermuth, then ran for the two-point conversion that tied the game at 24 with 1:42 remaining. Cleveland responded with the 7-play, 36-yard drive that ended with Szmyt’s 56-yard field goal. Szmyt also made a 44-yard field goal earlier in the fourth to extend the Browns’ lead. The sequence produced multiple fourth-quarter lead changes and a dramatic finish.
Rodgers accounted for three touchdown passes, including a 12-yard strike to Roman Wilson in the first quarter. Szmyt’s leg proved decisive, as he converted two fourth-quarter field goals to secure the victory for Cleveland. The game featured several momentum shifts that tested both defenses as the fourth quarter unfolded. Cleveland will take the win as it remains unbeaten at home early in the season.
NFL Sports Blog Take
The Browns demonstrated resilience and late-game execution as Watson engineered a clutch possession and Szmyt delivered from long range under pressure. Cleveland’s three-touchdown second quarter provided a cushion that allowed the team to withstand Pittsburgh’s fourth-quarter rally. The defense allowed multiple fourth-quarter scoring drives and will want cleaner late-game stops, but Szmyt’s range and Watson’s two-minute work give the Browns a reliable formula for close games moving forward.