Cleveland Browns Hang in There, But Can’t Score in 14-3 Loss to Steelers
The Cleveland Browns gave another valiant effort, this time coming in the form of a 14-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. They went toe-to-toe with one of the league’s best, going so far as to force three turnovers and knock quarterback Ben Roethlisberger out of part of the game with a high ankle sprain.
Quarterback Colt McCoy took a vicious hit to the head from – guess who – Steelers linebacker James Harrison in the fourth quarter, also sending him out of the game, though he was able to return just in time to throw an interception into the end zone nearly three minutes left in the game and the Browns only down 7-3. While he injured his left hand on the Harrison hit and was miraculously able to stand, it doesn’t mean he should have been out there. But you have to give credit to him – he’s as tough a quarterback as any the Browns have had since 1999. Hopefully these constant beatings pay off in the end.
This was a hard-fought defensive battle that, in a season or two, the Browns will win. The frustration is understandable – losing hurts no matter what, but the right pieces are being put in place. It’s a slow grind, but the Browns will get there. For now, the best thing Browns fans can do is keep a level head on themselves rather than calling for the head coach’s.
Here are some more notes following the Browns’ loss to the Steelers:
- Wide receiver Greg Little sure is having a tough couple of weeks. He added a few more drops on Thursday night, ending with two catches for 25 yards. It’s been painfully obvious that the Browns need to draft a wide receiver or two come April, but this current crop of wide receivers could make it a little more bearable by at least holding onto the ball.
- You didn’t see much of running back Peyton Hillis towards the end of the game because he was banged up, giving Chris Ogbonnaya the chance to bust out a 28-yard run on a long third down. He’s made the most of his opportunities this season, but it’s still hard to see him making the team next year.
- D’Qwell Jackson added another seven tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery to his stats this season, further making his case for Comeback Player of the Year. Safety Mike Adams had a pass defended and a critical interception in the fourth quarter. Defensively, the Browns put in a solid effort, despite letting a hobbled Ben Roethlisberger beat them down the stretch.