Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats

The Cleveland Browns eked out a 13-6 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 28, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field—dominating the scoreboard despite getting outgained 291 to 262, allowing 15 first downs to their 11, and losing the time-of-possession battle 30:39 to 29:21.

Final Score: Browns 13-6 Steelers (Dec 28, 2025) · PIT Total Yards: 291 · CLE Total Yards: 262 · PIT Turnovers: 0 · CLE Turnovers: 2 · PIT 1st Downs: 15

Did the Cleveland Browns beat the Pittsburgh Steelers today?

Yes—and in a way that left the stats bewildered. The Browns eked out a 13-6 victory over the Steelers on December 28, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field, a result that surprised those who had been watching the yardage columns all night (ESPN Game Summary). Pittsburgh finished with 291 total yards compared to Cleveland’s 262, had 15 first downs to the Browns’ 11, held the ball for 30:39, and still lost by seven points.

Game Summary

The scoring breakdown tells the story of two completely different games happening at once. The Browns erupted for 10 points in the first quarter—practically their entire offensive output for the night—then went quiet until a fourth-quarter field goal iced the game. The Steelers managed just 6 points, all coming in the second quarter, and never found the end zone again (ESPN Play-by-Play).

Key Moments

The Browns’ defense posted 67 total tackles with 36 solo stops and 2 sacks on the night, suffocating what had been a functional Steelers attack. Pittsburgh entered the game at 9-7 overall and 4-4 on the road, but left at 10-7 in the AFC North—a division they had been positioned to clinch before kickoff (ESPN Recap). The win moved Cleveland to 5-12 in the division, making the final margin of victory even more improbable for a team that entered Week 17 with just four wins.

A key defensive play shifted momentum decisively in Cleveland’s favor, according to game accounts (CBS Sports).

Who broke their arm in the Steelers game today?

Reports emerged from the December 28 loss indicating that Darnell Washington sustained a broken arm during the game against the Browns. The tight end’s injury added to a difficult night for Pittsburgh, which saw its AFC North clinching hopes derailed by the 13-6 defeat. Specific details about the play on which the injury occurred and the timeline for Washington’s return remain limited in available reporting.

Darnell Washington Injury Details

Washington, a second-year tight end, had been a consistent contributor in the Steelers’ passing game during the 2025 season. His absence would create a gap in a receiving corps that already struggled to generate production against Cleveland’s defense.

Impact on Game

Beyond the human cost, Washington’s injury removed one of Pittsburgh’s better receiving options at a moment when the offense was already struggling to move the ball. The Steelers finished with 160 passing yards on 21 completions from their quarterback, a figure that could have been lower without Washington’s potential contribution in the passing game.

Is Shedeur Sanders the starting QB for the Browns?

Reports from the Browns’ organization named Shedeur Sanders as the team’s starting quarterback heading into the final stretch of the 2025 season. The decision marked a significant shift in Cleveland’s quarterback picture as the team looked to evaluate its future at the position with limited playoff stakes remaining.

Kevin Stefanski Announcement

Head coach Kevin Stefanski announced the decision to install Sanders as the starter, prioritizing the evaluation of a young quarterback against meaningful competition in the AFC North. The move came as the Browns sought to build momentum for 2026 while navigating the final games of a difficult season.

Passing Stats Context

The passing attack in the December 28 win against Pittsburgh reflected the challenges facing whoever lined up under center for Cleveland. The Browns managed 184 passing yards—their efficiency advantage coming from a 7.4 yards-per-pass figure compared to Pittsburgh’s 3.9, according to game statistics (CBS Sports). The running game contributed only 78 yards on the ground, with R. Sanders managing 21 yards on 8 attempts for Cleveland.

What has happened to Deshaun Watson?

Deshaun Watson’s tenure with the Cleveland Browns has been marked by significant disruption. Multiple civil lawsuits alleging assault and sexual misconduct were filed against the quarterback over recent years, creating a cloud of controversy that affected his availability, public perception, and the team’s planning at the most important position on the field.

Lawsuit Dismissals

Reportedly, two of the lawsuits filed against Watson were dismissed in recent months, according to ESPN reporting. The dismissals removed some of the immediate legal pressure but did not resolve questions about Watson’s long-term status with the organization or his ability to return to on-field performance.

Current Status

Watson’s availability for the Browns has been sporadic throughout 2025, with the team cycling through multiple quarterbacks in search of consistent play. The decision to turn to Shedeur Sanders as the starter represented both a football decision and a practical one—the Browns needed to see what they had at the position given the investment already made and the uncertainty surrounding Watson’s future.

Is Mike Tomlin leaving Pittsburgh?

Mike Tomlin has been the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2007, and his tenure has been defined by consistency—he has never posted a losing season in nearly two decades. But the lack of postseason success in recent years, combined with roster transitions, fueled speculation about Tomlin’s future as the 2025 season wound down.

Tomlin’s Explanation

Tomlin addressed questions about his future publicly, reportedly explaining that his focus remained on the current season and that external speculation about his departure was a distraction he would not engage with. His record of sustained success—Playoff appearances in 10 of his 18 seasons—provided context for why franchise leadership valued continuity even amid rough patches. For those interested in a different kind of game analysis, you can find the Inter Miami vs Palmeiras match stats at Inter Miami vs Palmeiras match stats.

Aaron Rodgers Comments

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who joined Pittsburgh mid-season, voiced support for Tomlin’s coaching when asked about the situation. Rodgers’ endorsement carried weight given his own Hall of Fame trajectory and his experience with head coaches across multiple franchises. His comments suggested the locker room remained aligned with Tomlin’s leadership despite the team’s inconsistent results.

The comparison table reveals why traditional stats failed to predict the outcome—the Browns won by maximizing efficiency while the Steelers dominated volume but could not convert that dominance into points.

The player stats table shows Pittsburgh’s quarterback had a forgettable night by the numbers, with a 64.9 rating and zero touchdowns despite 39 attempts, while both teams’ leading rushers failed to find the end zone.

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