The Browns defense bailed out the offense early in the third quarter against the Steelers on Thursday night.
Following a fumble by wide receiver Cedric Tillman on the third play from scrimmage of the second half, Cleveland’s defense forced a turnover on downs on Pittsburgh’s ensuing possession.
Tillman lost the football on a 24-yard reception after being hit by Steelers safety DeShon Elliott. Cornerback Donte Jackson recovered the loose ball, and Pittsburgh moved to its 46-yard line before running back Jaylen Warren was stopped in the backfield on a fourth-and-inches.
The stop preserved the Browns’ 10-3 lead. They entered “Thursday Night Football” as a 3.5-point home underdog, but the sloppy game has benefitted them.
The Steelers also missed a field goal, had a turnover on downs and fumble on three of their five first-half possessions.
It was the sixth time Pittsburgh (8-2) was held without a touchdown in the first half of a game this season, tied with the Giants (2-8) for the most in the NFL, per the Amazon broadcast.
The Browns lead 18-6 into the fourth quarter.
