January 1, Steelers Fall to Browns as Rodgers Loses Thursday Night Finale

Wyatt’s Take

• Cleveland keeps rolling with a gritty, hard-nosed win that puts them atop the AFC North.
• Aaron Rodgers came up short in what might be his final Thursday night appearance.
• Deshaun Watson stayed efficient and led the Browns to their third straight victory.

The Pittsburgh Steelers came into Cleveland hoping Aaron Rodgers could notch another Thursday night win and tie Tom Brady’s record. Instead the Browns answered late and sealed a 27-24 victory with a 56-yard field goal.

Watson threw for 268 yards and a touchdown while the Cleveland defense kept Rodgers from pulling out the win. Rodgers finished with 299 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

After Pittsburgh tied the game at 24 in the fourth quarter, Cleveland marched down the field one last time. Andre Szmyt drilled the long kick that gave the Browns their third straight win.

“I just suck it up for those three hours and then know you get a reward on the back end. I think it’s part of the game now because of the money that’s in it. I think I’m just excited about the weekend,” Rodgers told reporters before the game.

The loss drops Pittsburgh to 0-10 against AFC North foes on the road. Cleveland improved to 3-1 and now sits alone in first place in the division.

Both teams enjoy extra rest before Cleveland heads to New York next week while Pittsburgh hosts Indianapolis.

Wyatt Matters

Heartland fans still love seeing teams win with toughness and discipline instead of flash. Cleveland showed that kind of grit tonight, and it is the kind of football that builds real loyalty in towns that value hard work over hype.