It’s Cleveland’s first postseason clash since 2002.
PITTSBURGH — The day Browns fans have been waiting for for 18 years has finally arrived.
The team is set for its first playoff game since January of 2003 on Sunday night in the NFL Wild Card Round. Their opponent? The hated Pittsburgh Steelers, on the road in the House of Horrors that has been Heinz Field.
Cleveland is just 1-20 in that stadium since it opened in 2001. That includes the franchise’s last postseason game, when they blew a 17-point lead and lost a heartbreaking Wild Card showdown against Pittsburgh.
The Browns this game riding high, making the AFC bracket at the sixth seed following an emotional 24-22 win over the Steelers in Week 17. However, they are also missing multiple key contributors who are sick with COVID-19, notably head coach Kevin Stefanski, All-Pro left guard Joel Bitonio, and shutdown corner Denzel Ward.
In contrast, the Steelers are loading up after resting multiple starters last Sunday. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and linebacker T.J. Watt are among those who will be back in the lineup, and its a big reason why the AFC North champs are a five and a half point favorite.
Toni7ght’s game will air live on Channel 3 starting at 8:15 p.m., with 3News’ coverage beginning at 7 p.m. on our “Pregame Huddle.” In the meantime, you can follow our live blog below, with the latest plays and updates closest to the top.
2ND QUARTER
0:00: Chris Boswell nails a 49-yard field goal, and the Browns head into halftime leading 35-10.
0:34: The Browns answer back, as Baker Mayfield hits Austin Hooper for a 7-yard touchdown. Cleveland is back up by 28, 35-7.
1:44: The Pittsburgh offense finally gets clicking, with Ben Roethlisberger completing multiple sharp passes on the drive. James Conner later picks up a 4th-and-short before punching it in for the touchdown, and the Steelers cut the deficit to 28-7.
Some bad news for the Browns: All-Pro right tackle Jack Conklin is questionable to return after suffering a hamstring injury.
7:20: A wide-open Austin Hooper drops a perfect Baker Mayfield pass, and the Browns are forced to punt again. Jamie Gillan kicks it to the Steelers 11.
10:10: Ben Roethlisberger can’t believe it either… His pass is deflected at the line by Porter Gustin, who promptly intercepts it at the Steeler 47-yard line. The Browns get their fourth takeaway, and the ball.
11:20: For the first time tonight, the Browns are forced to punt. Jamie Gillan boots it to the Pittsburgh 46, where the Steelers will start.
12:19: The Steelers drive into Browns territory, but stall at the 38-yard line. Rather than go for it on 4th-and-long, Jordan Berry comes out for the punt, and pins Cleveland at its own 10.
1ST QUARTER
1:56: Kareem Hunt continues to dominate, taking it in for an 8-yard touchdown. The Browns lead 28-0, setting the most points in a first quarter in NFL postseason history.
3:18: Everything is coming up Cleveland… Ben Roethlisberger throws his second interceptions of the night, and Sheldrick Redwine returns it all the way to the Steelers 15. The Browns have a chance to add to an already massive lead.
4:40: The Cleveland offense is moving with ease, and eventually Kareem Hunt barrels 11 yards through the Steel Curtain for a touchdown. 21-0 Browns, and no, you are not dreaming.
7:40: The Browns are winning the physical battle right now, forcing a Steelers three-and-out on Pittsburgh’s third drive. Jordan Berry punts, and Donovan Peoples-Jones returns it to the Cleveland 35.
9:46: Lightening has struck again… Baker Mayfield hits Jarvis Landry over the middle, and the receiver dashes 40 yards for the touchdown. The Browns are out to a quick 14-0 lead.
Odell Beckham Jr., out since Week 7 with a knee injury, is hyping his best friend on Twitter.
10:44: This is astonishing… The Steelers turn it over again as Ben Roethlisberger is picked off by M.J. Stewart Jr. The Browns take over on the Steelers 36.
14:46: Well…that was fast….The Steelers start with the ball on their own 22-yard line, but Maurkice Pouncey’s snap sails over Ben Roethlisberger’s head. Karl Joseph falls on the ball in the end zone for a Browns touchdown, and Cleveland shockingly takes an early 7-0 lead.
PREGAME
“Voice of the Browns” and 3News sports anchor Jim Donovan caught up with Kevin Stefanski before tonight’s game. The coach is in good spirits despite being stuck back in Northeast Ohio.
Ben Axelrod and Nick Camino also previewed the matchup shortly before kickoff.
Our own Pat Chiesa is at Heinz Field. Although it is sure to be a classic meeting of one of football’s greatest rivalries, there will unfortunately be no fans allowed inside the stadium due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, multiple celebrities with ties to Northeast Ohio are wishing the Browns luck before kickoff. That includes former “Community” and “Drake and Josh” star Yvette Nicole Brown, an East Cleveland native.
