The Steelers beat the Browns Monday night 26-14. Pittsburgh was able to keep their playoff hopes alive in what was likely Ben Roethlisberger’s last game at Heinz Field. The Steelers found their old mojo and won this game on the ground and with a tough defense that had nine sacks and two interceptions on the night.

The Offense

The Steelers offense had their best and most complete showing since Week 10 against the Los Angeles Chargers, which was the last time they scored a first half touchdown. Pittsburgh went up 10-0 in the first half and had a 13-0 lead before Cleveland got on the board in the third quarter. This was a major key for them going into this game.

They did that on the back of Najee Harris who had his best game on the season. Harris ran the ball 28 times for 188 yards and a touchdown. He also had the team’s longest runs of the season with a 30-yard run capped off by a stiff arm, and a 37-yard run capped off by a touchdown to seal the game. Harris also set the Steelers rookie rushing record tonight, passing Franco Harris.

Roethlisberger went 24-46 for one touchdown and one pick. He said it was the perfect way to go out because it didn’t look pretty, but it got the job done. Dionte Johnson led the way for the pass catchers with 8 receptions for 31 yards and the lone touchdown.

The Steelers beat the Browns in both the turnover battle (2-1) and Time of Possession (34:55-25:05). Two categories they did not fair well in last week.

The Defense

The defense certainly took care of business tonight. The tip of the spear was once again T.J. Watt who had FOUR of the team’s nine sacks. Pitching in as well were Alex Highsmith (2), Cameron Heyward (1), Henry Mondeaux (1), and Derrek Tuszka (1).

Cleveland’s gameplan was to attack Pittsburgh through the air. Quarterback Baker Mayfield was 16-38 for 185 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Mayfield struggled early on. In the first half he was just 4-15 for 58 yards and an interception. For the game the Steelers batted down six passes at the line.

The Browns only ran the ball 20 times in this one for 93 yards. Pittsburgh, who has struggled against the run this year, held running back Nick Chubb to 58 yards on 12 carries, which included a 32-yard run in the first quarter.

The Steelers added two interceptions on the night as well. Ahkello Witherspoon made a nice play on the sideline to pick off his third pass on the season, and Tre Norwood caught a deflected ball in the fourth for his first career interception.

Special Teams

It was a good day for the special teams. Chris Boswell went 4/4 on field goals with a long of 50 yards, and 2/2 on extra points. Ray-Ray McCloud did a nice job in the punt return game with five returns for 44 yards.

Punter Corliss Waitman continues to impress. With normal punter Presley Harvin III out for a second game after the death of his father, Waitman was called upon again. He had five punts for a total of 244 yards (48.8 per punt). Those distances were: 53, 43, 44, 53, and 51. He had a particularly impressive play in the third quarter. With the ball on the 4-yard line Waitman was in the back of the end zone. He caught a snap above his head, got the ball down. and punted it just before being blocked and got it into Cleveland territory. The South Alabama product has played really well in these last two games.

In Conclusion

Tonight being Ben’s last game in Pittsburgh is what will be most remembered. And understandably so. But tonight the Steelers beat the Browns in the trenches. They ran the ball effectively on offense, and dominated the point of attack on defense. If they can do that, and keep up the splash plays of turnovers and sacks they’ll continue to compete for a playoff spot.

The Steelers play on Sunday in Baltimore against the Ravens. They’ll need to win that game for a chance to get into the playoffs. Should Pittsburgh beat Baltimore, they’ll need the Colts to lost to the Jaguars, and the Chargers-Raiders game to not end in a tie.

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