Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats

The Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats from the NFL Week 4 meeting provide a detailed picture of how Cleveland turned a 7 point first quarter deficit into a 27-24 victory. Pittsburgh finished with 24 points after a late comeback attempt, while Cleveland produced 21 points in the second quarter and held on through a tense fourth quarter. The final result moved Cleveland to 3-1 and Pittsburgh to 2-2.

This was not simply a game decided by one quarterback or one spectacular play. The numbers show a contest shaped by Cleveland’s defensive pressure, timely takeaways, strong kicking, explosive receiving plays, and Pittsburgh’s inability to consistently convert offensive opportunities despite productive performances from Aaron Rodgers, Jaylen Warren, and DK Metcalf.

The official NFL game center confirms the 27-24 final score, the Week 4 setting, and the quarter-by-quarter scoring pattern of Pittsburgh 7, 3, 0, 14 and Cleveland 0, 21, 0, 6. NFL

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats: Game Overview

Cleveland entered the matchup with a 2-1 record and improved to 3-1 after the victory. Pittsburgh dropped to 2-2.

The final score tells only part of the story. Cleveland controlled the most important stretch of the game in the second quarter, scoring 21 unanswered points after Pittsburgh had opened the contest with a touchdown.

Final Score

Team Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Final
Pittsburgh Steelers 7 3 0 14 24
Cleveland Browns 0 21 0 6 27

The scoring pattern is especially important.

Pittsburgh started well and finished strongly, but Cleveland’s 21 point second quarter created the margin it ultimately needed. Neither team scored in the third quarter, making the fourth quarter a test of execution under pressure.

Cleveland eventually secured the victory with late-game defensive and special teams execution. NFL reporting confirms that Andre Szmyt’s 56-yard field goal provided the winning points, while Grant Delpit intercepted a desperation pass afterward to seal the result. NFL

Quarterback Performance

Quarterback statistics provide one of the clearest ways to understand the contrasting offensive performances.

Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers completed 22 of 40 passes for 299 yards, averaging 7.5 yards per attempt. He threw three touchdowns but also had two interceptions.

His statistical line was:

  • Completions: 22
  • Attempts: 40
  • Completion rate: 55.0%
  • Passing yards: 299
  • Yards per attempt: 7.5
  • Touchdowns: 3
  • Interceptions: 2
  • Sacks: 5
  • Sack yards lost: 30
  • QBR: 49.3
  • Passer rating: 83.2

The 299 passing yards look impressive at first glance. Rodgers also produced three touchdown passes, which kept Pittsburgh competitive throughout the evening.

The problem was efficiency under pressure.

Five sacks and two interceptions created too many negative plays. Cleveland’s defense repeatedly forced Pittsburgh into difficult down-and-distance situations, and that made the Steelers’ passing attack less consistent than the raw yardage total suggests.

NFL analysis also noted that Cleveland generated 10 quarterback hits while Rodgers absorbed five sacks. The Browns’ pressure was therefore not limited to the plays that officially counted as sacks. NFL

Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson completed 24 of 33 passes for 268 yards, with one touchdown and one interception.

His line:

  • Completions: 24
  • Attempts: 33
  • Completion rate: 72.7%
  • Passing yards: 268
  • Yards per attempt: 8.1
  • Touchdowns: 1
  • Interceptions: 1
  • Sacks: 2
  • Sack yards lost: 8
  • QBR: 53.3
  • Passer rating: 94.0

Watson’s 72.7% completion rate was significantly better than Rodgers’ 55.0%. He also averaged more yards per attempt.

That combination matters because Cleveland did not need Watson to throw for 400 yards. The Browns needed him to make enough accurate throws while avoiding the kind of constant pressure that disrupted Pittsburgh’s offense.

His 94.0 passer rating was also higher than Rodgers’ 83.2.

Passing Comparison

Statistic Aaron Rodgers Deshaun Watson
Completions 22 24
Attempts 40 33
Completion Rate 55.0% 72.7%
Passing Yards 299 268
Yards per Attempt 7.5 8.1
TD Passes 3 1
Interceptions 2 1
Sacks 5 2
Sack Yards 30 8
QBR 49.3 53.3
Passer Rating 83.2 94.0

This comparison illustrates why quarterback evaluation cannot rely only on passing yards.

Rodgers threw for 31 more yards and three times as many touchdown passes, yet Watson posted the stronger passer rating and completion percentage. Cleveland’s ability to protect its quarterback and generate pressure on the opposing quarterback helped balance the difference in passing production.

Pittsburgh Steelers Rushing Performance

Jaylen Warren was one of Pittsburgh’s most productive offensive players.

He carried the ball 17 times for 93 yards, averaging 5.5 yards per carry. His longest run covered 24 yards.

Jaylen Warren

  • Carries: 17
  • Rushing yards: 93
  • Average: 5.5 yards
  • Touchdowns: 0
  • Long: 24 yards

Warren’s 5.5 yards per carry stands out because it demonstrates that Pittsburgh was capable of generating productive rushing plays.

The bigger question is how consistently the Steelers used that success to support the passing game.

A running back averaging more than five yards per carry can help slow an opposing pass rush, create manageable third downs, and reduce the number of obvious passing situations. Against a Cleveland defense that recorded five sacks, that type of balance was particularly valuable.

Travis Homer added two carries for minus one yard.

The Steelers therefore received most of their rushing production from Warren rather than through a committee approach.

Cleveland Browns Rushing Performance

Cleveland used several players to produce its rushing offense.

Quinshon Judkins carried 17 times for 53 yards and a touchdown. Jaleel McLaughlin added a 28-yard touchdown on his only carry.

Other rushing contributions included:

  • Deshaun Watson: 7 carries, 22 yards
  • Raheim Sanders: 2 carries, 9 yards
  • Jaleel McLaughlin: 1 carry, 28 yards, 1 touchdown
  • Quinshon Judkins: 17 carries, 53 yards, 1 touchdown

Judkins’ numbers were more about workload and situational value than efficiency. His 17 carries made him an important part of the Browns’ offensive structure.

McLaughlin’s one carry was completely different. His 28-yard touchdown represented an explosive play that produced maximum value from minimal volume.

NFL’s game analysis specifically highlighted McLaughlin’s 28-yard touchdown run as one of Cleveland’s important second-quarter plays. NFL

Receiving Leaders

The receiving numbers show that both teams relied on explosive plays, but they reached those plays in different ways.

DK Metcalf Leads Pittsburgh

DK Metcalf led Pittsburgh with five receptions for 115 yards.

His receiving line:

  • Receptions: 5
  • Targets: 9
  • Receiving yards: 115
  • Average: 23.0 yards
  • Touchdowns: 0
  • Long: 43 yards

Metcalf averaged 23 yards per reception, making him Pittsburgh’s most dangerous big-play receiver.

His 115 yards represented a significant share of Rodgers’ 299 passing yards. Yet Pittsburgh did not consistently turn that production into enough points to win.

That distinction is important for evaluating the Steelers’ offense. A team can generate explosive passing yards while still struggling with consistency between those explosive plays.

Pittsburgh’s Other Receivers

Roman Wilson recorded three catches for 74 yards and a touchdown.

Darnell Washington had three receptions for 27 yards and a touchdown.

Pat Freiermuth recorded three catches for 17 yards and a touchdown.

Jaylen Warren added three receptions for 33 yards.

Other Pittsburgh receiving totals included:

  • Michael Pittman Jr.: 2 receptions, 15 yards
  • Germie Bernard: 2 receptions, 11 yards
  • Ben Skowronek: 1 reception, 7 yards

The distribution demonstrates that Rodgers found several scoring targets even though Cleveland’s coverage and pass rush limited overall consistency.

Cleveland Receiving Leaders

Denzel Boston led Cleveland with four receptions for 89 yards.

His line included:

  • Receptions: 4
  • Targets: 7
  • Receiving yards: 89
  • Average: 22.3 yards
  • Touchdowns: 0
  • Long: 60 yards

The 60-yard reception was Cleveland’s biggest receiving play of the game.

KC Concepcion followed with five receptions for 64 yards. Quinshon Judkins added six catches for 43 yards, giving Cleveland an important outlet underneath and around the line of scrimmage.

Other Cleveland receiving totals:

  • Jerry Jeudy: 3 receptions, 36 yards
  • Harold Fannin Jr.: 3 receptions, 27 yards, 1 touchdown
  • Raheim Sanders: 2 receptions, 7 yards
  • Isaiah Bond: 1 reception, 2 yards

The Browns finished with 24 receptions for 268 yards, an 11.2-yard average, one touchdown, and a 60-yard long reception.

NFL’s postgame analysis also highlighted the young Cleveland receiving group, including Boston and Concepcion, as an important part of the team’s early-season development. NFL

Receiving Comparison

Category Pittsburgh Cleveland
Receptions 22 24
Receiving Yards 299 268
Average 13.6 11.2
Touchdowns 3 1
Long Reception 49 60
Targets 39 33

Pittsburgh generated more receiving yards and more receiving touchdowns.

Cleveland, however, was more efficient in completing passes and avoided some of the negative plays that affected Pittsburgh.

This is one of the most useful lessons from the game. Yardage leadership does not automatically translate into victory. Cleveland’s combination of defense, field position, turnovers, and kicking production compensated for Pittsburgh’s larger passing and receiving totals.

Defensive Player Stats

Defense was arguably the most important statistical separator.

Pittsburgh recorded 69 tackles, including 44 solo tackles. The Steelers produced two sacks, four tackles for loss, seven passes defended, and five quarterback hits.

Cleveland recorded 67 tackles, including 35 solo tackles. The Browns produced five sacks, seven tackles for loss, eight passes defended, and 10 quarterback hits.

Defensive Comparison

Statistic Pittsburgh Cleveland
Total Tackles 69 67
Solo Tackles 44 35
Sacks 2 5
Tackles for Loss 4 7
Passes Defended 7 8
QB Hits 5 10

The most striking difference is pressure.

Cleveland had five sacks compared with Pittsburgh’s two.

The Browns also recorded twice as many quarterback hits.

That pressure helped Cleveland disrupt Rodgers even though Pittsburgh’s passing game ultimately accumulated 299 yards.

Pittsburgh Defensive Standouts

Payton Wilson led Pittsburgh with nine tackles, including seven solo tackles.

T.J. Watt remained one of the most disruptive defenders on the field. He recorded:

  • 4 tackles
  • 4 solo tackles
  • 1 sack
  • 2 tackles for loss
  • 1 pass defended
  • 2 quarterback hits

Watt also recovered a fumble.

Robert Spears-Jennings recorded Pittsburgh’s interception.

The Steelers defense therefore had several individual impact plays, but it could not produce enough sustained pressure to keep Cleveland from building its second-quarter lead.

NFL’s analysis pointed out that Pittsburgh’s defense pressured Watson on 21.6% of his dropbacks, a relatively low pressure rate for the unit. NFL

Cleveland Defensive Standouts

Carson Schwesinger led Cleveland with nine tackles.

Denzel Ward and Grant Delpit each recorded an interception.

Maliek Collins also made a significant impact with:

  • 4 tackles
  • 1 sack
  • 2 tackles for loss
  • 1 quarterback hit

The five-sack performance was a major reason Cleveland was able to contain Pittsburgh’s passing attack despite Rodgers’ 299 passing yards.

The Browns also finished with 10 quarterback hits, demonstrating that their pass rush affected more plays than the sack total alone indicates.

Turnovers and Defensive Impact

Turnovers were another major part of the result.

Pittsburgh recorded one interception through Robert Spears-Jennings.

Cleveland recorded two interceptions through Denzel Ward and Grant Delpit.

Cleveland also had a fumble recovery, while Pittsburgh recorded a fumble recovery by T.J. Watt.

The turnover difference was therefore meaningful because Cleveland’s defense generated multiple opportunities to stop drives.

A turnover is more valuable than an ordinary defensive stop because it immediately changes possession and can dramatically alter field position.

Denzel Ward’s interception was particularly important because it helped trigger Cleveland’s second-quarter scoring surge. NFL’s official postgame analysis identified the interception as a major turning point. NFL

Special Teams Player Stats

Special teams played an important role in the final result.

Pittsburgh Kicking

Chris Boswell finished:

  • Field goals: 1 of 2
  • Field goal percentage: 50%
  • Long field goal: 31 yards
  • Extra points: 1 of 1
  • Total points: 4

Pittsburgh therefore left points available through its kicking game.

Cleveland Kicking

Andre Szmyt was perfect:

  • Field goals: 2 of 2
  • Field goal percentage: 100%
  • Long field goal: 56 yards
  • Extra points: 3 of 3
  • Total points: 9

His 56-yard field goal was the decisive kick.

NFL’s official game coverage confirms that Szmyt’s 56-yard kick supplied the winning points late in the fourth quarter. NFL

Punting

Cameron Johnston punted five times for Pittsburgh for 259 yards.

His average was 51.8 yards, with three punts placed inside the 20-yard line.

Corey Bojorquez punted four times for Cleveland for 251 yards.

His average was an impressive 62.8 yards, with a long of 81 yards.

The punting numbers show that Cleveland also won important field-position battles.

Return Game

Kaden Wetjen handled Pittsburgh’s kick return duties effectively.

He recorded:

  • 4 kick returns
  • 96 yards
  • 24.0-yard average
  • 27-yard long

He also returned two punts for 30 yards, averaging 15.0 yards per return.

For Cleveland, Raheim Sanders had three kick returns for 66 yards, while Malachi Corley recorded one return for 33 yards.

KC Concepcion handled two punt returns for 10 yards.

Although return statistics did not determine the game alone, they contributed to the overall field-position picture.

Why Cleveland Won

The final result becomes easier to understand when the individual statistics are combined.

1. Cleveland Won the Pressure Battle

Five sacks against two is a significant advantage.

Cleveland also produced 10 quarterback hits compared with Pittsburgh’s five.

Rodgers had more passing yards, but he had to operate under considerably more pressure.

2. Cleveland Created More Defensive Takeaways

Ward and Delpit each intercepted Rodgers.

Those takeaways helped prevent Pittsburgh from turning its passing yardage into sustained scoring drives.

3. The Browns Exploded in the Second Quarter

Cleveland scored 21 points in the second quarter.

That single quarter changed the game.

Pittsburgh eventually fought back with 14 fourth-quarter points, but the Steelers had created too large a deficit earlier in the game.

4. Cleveland’s Kicking Was Perfect

Szmyt made both field-goal attempts and all three extra points.

His 56-yard field goal became the decisive score.

Boswell, by comparison, made only one of two field-goal attempts.

5. Pittsburgh Left Production on the Field

The Steelers had 299 passing yards and three passing touchdowns.

Metcalf exceeded 100 receiving yards.

Warren averaged 5.5 yards per carry.

Those numbers normally provide a strong offensive foundation.

Yet the five sacks and two interceptions reduced the value of that production.

What the Game Says About Pittsburgh

The Steelers did not lose because they lacked explosive players.

They lost because their production was inconsistent across the full game.

Rodgers’ 299 passing yards and three touchdowns demonstrate that the offense could move the ball. Metcalf’s 115 receiving yards further confirms that Pittsburgh could create explosive plays.

Warren’s 93 rushing yards at 5.5 yards per carry provided another positive.

The problem was putting those pieces together consistently.

Five sacks and two interceptions are difficult to overcome against a division opponent, especially when the opponent is producing five sacks and two interceptions of its own.

Pittsburgh’s fourth-quarter comeback showed resilience, but the earlier scoring drought made the comeback unnecessarily difficult.

What the Game Says About Cleveland

Cleveland’s victory was more balanced.

Watson did not need to dominate the box score. He completed 24 of 33 passes, threw for 268 yards, and finished with a 94.0 passer rating.

The Browns received explosive receiving plays from Boston, consistent work from Concepcion, rushing production from Judkins, and a major scoring run from McLaughlin.

Most importantly, the defense supplied five sacks, 10 quarterback hits, and two interceptions.

That combination gave Cleveland multiple ways to win.

The kicking game then finished the job.

The Most Important Individual Performances

Several players deserve special attention when evaluating the complete statistical picture.

Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers produced 299 yards and three touchdowns, but his five sacks and two interceptions were costly.

Deshaun Watson

Watson completed nearly 73% of his passes and finished with a 94.0 rating. His ability to avoid constant pressure helped Cleveland maintain offensive efficiency.

Jaylen Warren

Warren’s 93 rushing yards on 17 attempts made him one of Pittsburgh’s most efficient offensive players.

DK Metcalf

Metcalf’s 115 receiving yards and 23.0-yard average were Pittsburgh’s biggest receiving highlights.

Denzel Boston

Boston produced 89 receiving yards, including a 60-yard reception that created a major explosive moment for Cleveland.

T.J. Watt

Watt recorded a sack, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, and a fumble recovery.

Denzel Ward

Ward’s interception helped change the momentum during Cleveland’s decisive second quarter.

Grant Delpit

Delpit’s interception late in the game prevented Pittsburgh from getting another chance after Cleveland took the lead.

Andre Szmyt

Szmyt converted both field-goal attempts and all three extra points, including the 56-yard game-winning kick.

A Deeper Statistical Takeaway

The most interesting lesson from this matchup is that the winning team did not lead every major offensive category.

Pittsburgh produced more passing yards and more receiving yards.

Rodgers threw more touchdown passes than Watson.

Metcalf had more receiving yards than any Cleveland receiver.

Warren averaged more yards per carry than Judkins.

Yet Cleveland won.

That is why football analysis should evaluate multiple categories together.

A team can lose the passing-yardage battle while winning the pressure battle. It can lose the receiving-yardage battle while winning the turnover battle. It can struggle for stretches offensively while winning through field position and special teams.

The Browns’ 27-24 victory is a strong example of that principle.

For readers who want to compare the official game information with these player numbers, the NFL game center for Steelers at Browns provides the official matchup information and scoring breakdown.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats: Key Numbers at a Glance

Category Pittsburgh Steelers Cleveland Browns
Final Score 24 27
Record After Game 2-2 3-1
Passing Yards 299 268
Passing TDs 3 1
Interceptions Thrown 2 1
Sacks Allowed 5 2
Rushing Leader Jaylen Warren, 93 Quinshon Judkins, 53
Receiving Leader DK Metcalf, 115 Denzel Boston, 89
Team Receptions 22 24
Team Receiving Yards 299 268
Sacks 2 5
QB Hits 5 10
Interceptions 1 2
Field Goals 1/2 2/2
Long Field Goal 31 56

How to Read These Player Stats

When analyzing a game like this, it is useful to separate volume statistics from efficiency statistics.

Volume tells you how much a player participated.

Efficiency tells you what the player accomplished with those opportunities.

For example, Rodgers attempted 40 passes and produced 299 yards. That is high volume. Watson attempted only 33 passes but completed 24 and averaged 8.1 yards per attempt.

Similarly, Warren received 17 rushing attempts and averaged 5.5 yards per carry. Judkins had the same number of carries but averaged 3.1 yards.

Defensive statistics should also be viewed together.

Five sacks are valuable, but 10 quarterback hits indicate Cleveland was affecting the quarterback beyond the official sack total.

That broader context is essential when using player statistics to evaluate performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Steelers vs Browns game?

The Cleveland Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-24 in Week 4. Cleveland improved to 3-1, while Pittsburgh fell to 2-2.

Who was the Steelers’ leading receiver?

DK Metcalf led Pittsburgh with five receptions for 115 yards. He averaged 23.0 yards per reception and recorded a long reception of 43 yards.

How did Aaron Rodgers perform against the Browns?

Aaron Rodgers completed 22 of 40 passes for 299 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. He was sacked five times for 30 yards.

How did Deshaun Watson perform against Pittsburgh?

Deshaun Watson completed 24 of 33 passes for 268 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He finished with an 8.1-yard average per attempt and a 94.0 passer rating.

Which team had more sacks?

Cleveland recorded five sacks, while Pittsburgh recorded two. The Browns also finished with 10 quarterback hits compared with five for Pittsburgh.

Who kicked the game-winning field goal?

Andre Szmyt kicked a 56-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter to give Cleveland the winning 27-24 margin. Grant Delpit then intercepted Pittsburgh’s final desperation pass.

Conclusion

The Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats reveal a game that was much more competitive than the final standings might suggest.

Pittsburgh had several strong individual performances. Rodgers threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns. Metcalf produced 115 receiving yards, while Warren averaged 5.5 yards per carry. T.J. Watt continued to make impact plays on defense.

Cleveland, however, won the categories that mattered most in the final result. The Browns generated five sacks and 10 quarterback hits, intercepted Rodgers twice, received explosive plays from their young offensive talent, and converted every extra point and both field-goal attempts.

The second quarter was the decisive period. Cleveland scored 21 points while Pittsburgh managed only three, creating the advantage that ultimately survived Pittsburgh’s fourth-quarter comeback.

The result was Cleveland’s 27-24 victory and a 3-1 record after four games. Pittsburgh left with a 2-2 record despite producing 299 passing yards and three passing touchdowns.

The numbers therefore tell a clear story: Cleveland won through defensive pressure, turnovers, timely explosive plays, and superior kicking execution, while Pittsburgh’s strong individual offensive production was undermined by sacks, interceptions, and an extended scoring drought.

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