Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats – Full Game Breakdown and Player Highlights

Introduction

The Steelers vs Cleveland Browns rivalry is one of the most exciting and intense matchups in the NFL. Every time these two AFC North teams face off, fans get a hard-hitting, passionate game full of energy. With playoff hopes, bragging rights, and team pride often on the line, this battle always brings fireworks.

But if you really want to understand how the game went, you need more than just the final score. That’s where the steelers vs cleveland browns match player stats come in. These stats show you who stepped up, who struggled, and how each play helped shape the outcome.

In this article, we’ll break down the latest matchup between the Steelers and Browns in simple, easy-to-understand terms. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just learning how football works, we’ve got all the key stats, highlights, and standout performances covered.

Now let’s dig into the numbers that tell the real story of this gritty AFC North showdown.

Quarterback Comparison: Kenny Pickett vs Deshaun Watson

Quarterbacks often set the tone for their teams. In this game, both Kenny Pickett and Deshaun Watson had moments of brilliance and struggle.

Kenny Pickett completed 17 of 28 passes for 210 yards and 1 touchdown. He looked more comfortable in the pocket compared to previous games, and his chemistry with receivers like George Pickens continues to grow. Pickett also avoided turnovers, which helped keep drives alive.

Deshaun Watson, on the other hand, had a mixed performance. He finished with 185 yards passing, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. While he displayed some of his flashy playmaking skills, especially outside the pocket, the Steelers defense kept him on edge for much of the game.

When comparing the Steelers vs Cleveland Browns match player stats, Pickett’s cleaner game gave Pittsburgh an edge in this category.

Steelers Backfield Power: Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren

The Steelers’ running game looked strong in this matchup. Najee Harris rushed for 76 yards on 18 carries, showing his usual power and toughness. He plowed through defenders and picked up critical short-yardage gains throughout the game.

Jaylen Warren added explosive energy with 9 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown, including a 22-yard sprint that set the tone early. His ability to break tackles and hit the edge gave the offense a much-needed spark.

Together, they combined for over 130 yards on the ground. In the Steelers vs Cleveland Browns match player stats, these two running backs were a huge part of Pittsburgh’s offensive control and time of possession.

Browns Rushing Attack: Life After Nick Chubb

With star running back Nick Chubb out due to injury, the Browns leaned on Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt to carry the rushing load.

Jerome Ford rushed 15 times for 58 yards, showing flashes of agility and strength but never breaking free for a big run. Kareem Hunt added 34 yards on 10 carries and scored the Browns’ only rushing touchdown.

Altogether, Cleveland ran for under 100 yards. While the effort was solid, the Browns couldn’t dominate the ground game the way they have in the past. When looking at the Steelers vs Cleveland Browns match player stats, the run game was evenly matched, but Pittsburgh’s backs made more big plays.

Top Receiving Performers: Pickens and Cooper Shine

In a tight game, big catches matter. Both teams had receivers who delivered when it counted.

George Pickens, the Steelers’ rising star, caught 5 passes for 94 yards, including a 35-yard downfield strike that helped flip field position. His route running and sideline awareness continue to impress.

The Browns’ top target, Amari Cooper, had an equally strong showing with 6 catches for 92 yards. He found soft spots in the Steelers’ secondary and made key third-down conversions that kept Cleveland’s drives going.

The Steelers vs Cleveland Browns match player stats show that each team has a clear WR1—but Pittsburgh spread the ball around better, giving them more versatility through the air.

Tight End Contributions: Muth and Njoku Make an Impact

Tight ends are often safety nets for quarterbacks, and they played that role perfectly in this game.

Pat Freiermuth returned to form for Pittsburgh with 4 grabs for 47 yards. He found holes in Cleveland’s zone coverage and made some tough catches over the middle.

David Njoku was one of the few bright spots in Cleveland’s passing attack. He had 5 receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown, showing good hands and toughness after the catch.

In terms of Steelers vs Cleveland Browns match player stats, the tight ends helped move the sticks and were reliable all game.

Steelers Defense: T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick Lead the Way

The Steelers defense continues to be their identity—and this game was no exception.

T.J. Watt had 2 sacks and added 4 quarterback hits. He was relentless off the edge and pressured Watson on nearly every drop back. His presence changed the momentum multiple times.

Minkah Fitzpatrick added an interception late in the game and showed great range in pass coverage. He broke up 2 passes and recorded 7 tackles.

When analyzing the Steelers vs Cleveland Browns match player stats, Pittsburgh’s defense controlled the game. They forced turnovers, made impact plays, and limited Cleveland’s explosive opportunities.

Browns Defense: Myles Garrett’s Monster Day

While the Browns didn’t win, Myles Garrett had a dominant game. He totaled 3 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, and forced a fumble that gave his team hope in the second half.

Denzel Ward also made his presence felt with a key end zone pass breakup and tight coverage all day.

While the Steelers offensive line battled all game, the Steelers vs Cleveland Browns match player stats show Cleveland’s defense wasn’t the problem—it just needed more consistent help from the offense.

Special Teams: The Hidden Factors That Mattered

Special teams often go unnoticed—until they win or lose the game. That was the case here.

Chris Boswell hit 3 field goals for Pittsburgh, including a clutch 48-yarder in the fourth quarter. His consistency helped preserve a slim lead.

Dustin Hopkins made both of his extra-point tries, and Cleveland’s punting game managed decent field position, but it wasn’t enough to swing momentum.

When reviewing Steelers vs Cleveland Browns match player stats, Boswell’s role shouldn’t be overlooked. Games between these rivals are often close, and his leg made the difference.

Key Team Stats: Time of Possession, Turnovers, and Penalties

Here’s a quick look at team-level stats that impacted the outcome:

• Time of Possession: Steelers 32 min – Browns 28 min
• Turnovers: Browns 2 – Steelers 0
• Penalties: Steelers 4 penalties (42 yards) – Browns 6 penalties (55 yards)

Clean football usually leads to wins—and the Steelers vs Cleveland Browns match player stats back that up. Pittsburgh’s ball security and discipline gave them the edge every time the game got tight.

Red Zone Efficiency: A Tale of Two Approaches

Scoring in the red zone is crucial. In this game:

• Steelers converted 2 of 3 red zone trips into touchdowns
• Browns scored just 1 touchdown in 3 visits

That difference in efficiency showed up in the final score. While both teams moved the ball decently, Pittsburgh capitalized more often when they got close.

It’s a key stat in the bigger picture of the Steelers vs Cleveland Browns match player stats, and it shows how a few plays in a shortened field can decide the game.

Coaching Decisions: Tomlin’s Edge Over Stefanski

Mike Tomlin continues to shine in high-pressure matchups. His decisions to run the ball, use play-action, and control the clock paid off.

Kevin Stefanski, on the other hand, made a few calls that left fans scratching their heads—such as attempting a pitch play on third and short in Steelers territory. That drive ended in a punt instead of points.

In the chess match between coaching staffs, the Steelers vs Cleveland Browns match player stats reflect which sideline made more of their opportunities.

FAQs

1. Who threw for the most passing yards in the game?
Kenny Pickett led with 210 passing yards, while Deshaun Watson had 185 yards.

2. Which running back had the best performance?
Najee Harris had more yards, but Jaylen Warren had the biggest splash with a touchdown and higher average.

3. Did any receiver go over 100 yards?
No, but both George Pickens (94 yards) and Amari Cooper (92 yards) came very close.

4. Who had more sacks: T.J. Watt or Myles Garrett?
Myles Garrett had 3 sacks to Watt’s 2. Both dominated at times.

5. How did the turnover margin look?
Steelers had 0 turnovers, Browns had 2. That likely changed the game’s outcome.

6. Was special teams important?
Yes. Chris Boswell’s field goals were key, and Pittsburgh’s kicking edge mattered a lot.

Conclusion

Games like this prove that football is won in the little moments. And the Steelers vs Cleveland Browns match player stats help us understand those moments clearly.

The Steelers played cleaner football, got the job done in critical situations, and leaned on their stars—Pickett, Harris, Watt, and Pickens—to make winning plays. The Browns showed talent and toughness, especially on defense, but couldn’t find consistency on offense.

Whether you were watching live or reading back the box score, knowing how every player and unit performed gives you a full story of the rivalry—and where both teams head next.

If you’re a stats geek, fantasy player, or just a fan of NFL drama, keeping an eye on games like this through player stats makes the game even more exciting.