Cleveland would earn a postseason berth with a win.
CLEVELAND — It’s officially now or never.
The Browns can earn their first playoff berth since 2002 with a win on Sunday (although there are other possible scenarios). The only thing standing in their way will be a familiar opponent: the archrival Pittsburgh Steelers.
Cleveland is a heavy favorite, and could also clinch their best record since 1994 (11-5) with a victory. However, the team has had a trying week, shutting down their practice facility multiple times and deactivating several players due to COVID-19 concerns.
The Steelers hammered the Browns 38-7 during their Week 6 meeting, but this is not the same group that took the gridiron that day at Heinz Field. Having already won the AFC North title, Pittsburgh will be holding multiple star players out to avoid possible injury, and has also lost three of four coming in.
Although the Browns don’t technically have to win to make the postseason, a loss would make things very, very difficult and force them to rely on other teams. Should they fall short against the Steelers, they would have to root for either an Indianapolis Colts loss to the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars or a trio of wins by the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, and Houston Texans.
What follows is a drive-by-drive live blog of this afternoon’s action, with the latest plays and updates closest to the top. Stay tuned for analysis all day long on 3News and WKYC.com.
4TH QUARTER
14:57: Jarvis Landry finishes the short drive off with a 3-yard touchdown run on an end around. The Browns now lead 24-9, and the playoff dream is starting to feel like a reality.
3RD QUARTER
1:31: The Browns defense comes up with the play of the game so far, as pressure from Jacob Phillips and Ronnie Harrison forces an interception by Mason Rudolph. M.J. Stewart Jr. returns the pick all the way to the Steelers 20, and Cleveland will have a chance to make it a two-score game.
3:48: Time for Baker Mayfield to take over: The young quarterback throws multiple sharp passes and even scrambles for a 28-yard gain, and caps an impressive drive with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Austin Hooper. The Browns get some breathing room and extend their lead to 17-9.
8:29: Chase Claypool makes a 41-yard catch to set up another 46-yard field goal from Matthew Wright. The Steelers still trail, but the Browns’ lead is down to 10-9.
11:20: Although they picked up a first down, the Browns puzzlingly called five out of six pass plays and failed to get into Steelers territory. Pittsburgh will start on their own 19-yard line after a punt.
More bad news for Cleveland, as Donovan Peoples-Jones will not return after suffering a concussion.
2ND QUARTER
0:00: Baker Mayfield attempted to drive the Browns into Steelers territory, but after Donovan Peoples-Jones was injured on a catch attempt the team decided to just run out the clock. Cleveland takes its 10-6 lead into halftime.
1:07: Matthew Wright hits a 46-yard field goal to bring the Steelers to within 10-6. Pittsburgh was driving, but Olivier Vernon was able to pin Mason Rudolph down for a sack.
2:25: A Chris Wormley sack of Baker Mayfield leads to a Browns punt. The Steelers start at their own 24, hoping to tie things up before halftime.
4:10: Mason Rudolph finds Dionte Johnson for a 41-yard gain, setting up a 29-yard field goal by Matthew Wright. The Steelers still trail, 10-3.
9:45: The Browns are unable to get into the end zone after getting close to the goal line, but Cody Parkey converts a 23-yard field goal. Cleveland extends its lead to 10-0.
The score was set up by a 42-yard connection from Baker Mayfield to Rashard Higgins.
14:05: Following a couple of first downs, the Pittsburgh offense comes to another standstill and Jordan Berry is forced to punt again. Donovan Peoples-Jones returns the kick to the Browns 25-yard line.
1ST QUARTER
2:52: The Browns manage to get to their own 40, but end up having to punt. Jamie Gillan’s kick goes to the Pittsburgh 10, though, and the Steelers have a long way to go.
7:21: The Steelers go three-and-out, and Jordan Berry goes out to punt again. He boots the ball to the Cleveland 10, where the Browns will start.
9:29: Nick Chubb, ladies and gentlemen: The Pro Bowl running back dashes 47 yards for the touchdown, and the Browns take an early 7-0 lead.
12:10: The Steelers convert on a third down, but eventually stall near midfield and are forced to punt. Jordan Berry’s kick pins the Browns at their own 15.
PREGAME
After being forced to sit several key players last Sunday due to health and safety protocols, the Browns got a lot of help this week when the entire receiving core (including five-time Pro Bowler Jarvis Landry) tested negative for the coronavirus. Offensive linemen Wyatt Teller and Jedrick Wills Jr. also return, along with safeties Ronnie Harrison and Karl Joseph.
But Cleveland had more positive tests this week and is also dealing with a few injuries. The following notable players will be out today:
- CB Denzel Ward (reserve/COVID-19)
- LB B.J. Goodson (reserve/COVID-19)
- S Andrew Sendejo (reserve/COVID-19)
- TE Harrison Bryant (reserve/COVID-19)
- LB Malcolm Smith (reserve/COVID-19)
- CB Kevin Johnson (reserve/COVID-19)
- OL Nick Harris (knee)
- OL Kendall Lamm (illness)
Meanwhile, the Steelers will be keeping multiple starters on the sidelines, but mostly to avoid injury with the postseason starting next week. They include:
- QB Ben Roethlisberger
- LB T.J. Watt
- DE Cameron Heyward
- C Maurkice Pouncey
- G David DeCastro
In addition, kicker Chris Boswell and safety Terrell Edmunds are out with injuries, and cornerback and former Browns Pro Bowler Joe Haden will not play after reportedly testing positive for COVID-19. Tight end Eric Ebron was also identified as a “close contact” of Haden and will therefore be unavailable.