Sept. 19 (UPI) — In a dazzling display of defensive dominance, T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers recorded six sacks, forced four turnovers, and scored twice to secure a 26-22 victory over the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium on Monday.
Watt, the star linebacker for the Steelers, not only contributed a sack but also showcased his athleticism with a 16-yard fumble return for a touchdown. Fellow linebacker Alex Highsmith also made his mark on the game, registering a sack and intercepting a pass that he returned for a 30-yard score.
This victory was historic for Watt, as his sack pushed his career total to 81.5, surpassing James Harrison’s franchise record of 80.5.
“Splash,” Watt boasted to reporters. “That’s what we talk about, creating splash as a defense. Alex Highsmith played phenomenally tonight. Our interior players applied incredible pressure. Larry Ogunjobi had an outstanding game.
“I truly believe we fed off the energy of the crowd.”
While the Steelers’ defense shined brightly, the Browns were left with a significant blow as running back Nick Chubb suffered a serious knee injury. Chubb had gained 64 yards on 10 carries before Steelers cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick collided with him, causing his knee to bend awkwardly. Chubb was subsequently taken off the field on a cart and did not return.
Speaking at the postgame news conference, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski shared that Chubb is expected to miss the remainder of the season due to his injury.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Stefanski expressed. “Nick is an exceptional football player, but more importantly, he’s an incredible person. We will support him throughout his recovery journey.”
With Chubb sidelined, Browns backup running back Jerome Ford stepped up, amassing 19 touches for 131 yards from scrimmage and scoring a touchdown.
Despite the Browns’ offensive output totaling 408 yards to the Steelers’ 255 and holding an advantage in time of possession, it was the Steelers’ opportunistic defense and ability to capitalize on turnovers that led to their victory.
Early in the game, Highsmith intercepted a pass from Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, which deflected off the hands of tight end Harrison Bryant. Highsmith seized the opportunity and returned the interception for a touchdown, giving the Steelers an early lead.
The Browns managed to answer with a field goal, but their rhythm was disrupted when Delpit intercepted a pass from Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett. The Browns kicker, Dustin Hopkins, missed the resulting field goal attempt, and the game turned into a series of turnovers.
Both teams struggled to maintain possession, with fumbles and turnovers overshadowing the offensive firepower on display.
It was in the fourth quarter that the Steelers’ defense stepped up once again. Highsmith sacked Watson, forcing a fumble that Watt promptly scooped up and returned 16 yards for a touchdown, clinching the victory for the Steelers.
For the remainder of the game, neither team managed to add any more points on the scoreboard.
Watson completed 22 of 40 passes for 235 yards, one touchdown, and an interception, while Pickett completed 15 of 30 passes for 222 yards, one touchdown, and an interception.
The Browns (1-1) will now prepare to host the Tennessee Titans (1-1) on Sunday, while the Steelers (1-1) will travel to face the Las Vegas Raiders (1-1) on Sunday night.
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