Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats

The PSteelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats share one of the NFL’s most storied rivalries, often called the “Turnpike Rivalry” due to the close proximity of the two cities along the Ohio and Pennsylvania Turnpikes. This matchup is always a fan favorite, packed with intensity, passion, and memorable performances. In this article, we’ll break down the player stats from their most recent clashes, focusing on the games from the 2024 season, to give you a clear and easy-to-understand look at how these teams and their stars performed. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the numbers, this guide is for you!

The Turnpike Rivalry: A Quick Overview Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats

Before diving into the stats, let’s set the stage. The Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats have faced off 147 times since 1950, making it the oldest and most-played rivalry in the AFC. Pittsburgh leads the series 82-64-1, but the Browns have had their moments, especially in recent years. The 2024 season saw these teams split their two meetings, with Cleveland winning 24-19 at home in Week 12 and Pittsburgh answering back with a 27-14 victory in Week 14. These games were defined by standout performances, defensive heroics, and some snowy drama in Cleveland. Let’s look at the key player stats from both games and what they tell us about this heated rivalry.

Game 1: Browns 24, Steelers 19 (November 21, 2024)

The first meeting of the 2024 season was a snowy thriller at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland. The Browns, despite a tough 2-8 record going into the game, pulled off an upset against the 8-2 Steelers, thanks to a late-game touchdown by running back Nick Chubb. Here’s how the players stacked up.

Cleveland Browns: Key Offensive Performers

• Nick Chubb (Running Back): Chubb was the hero of the night, rushing for 93 yards on 20 carries, averaging 4.7 yards per carry, and scoring two touchdowns, including the game-winner with 57 seconds left. His performance was especially meaningful as it marked his return against the Steelers, who were the team he faced when he suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2023. Chubb’s 50th career touchdown made him only the third Browns player to reach that milestone, joining legends Jim Brown and Leroy Kelly.

• Jameis Winston (Quarterback): Winston had a roller-coaster game but delivered when it mattered most. He completed 21 of 36 passes for 235 yards, with no passing touchdowns but a crucial 6-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. Despite a fumble and an interception late in the game, Winston’s clutch throws, including a 26-yard pass to Jerry Jeudy, set up Chubb’s winning score. He also completed five of six passes on the run for 97 yards, showing poise in tough snowy conditions.

• Jerry Jeudy (Wide Receiver): Jeudy was a key target, catching 6 passes for 85 yards, including a critical 26-yard grab on the game-winning drive. His ability to make plays in the snow was a difference-maker.

• David Njoku (Tight End): Njoku caught 5 passes for 45 yards, including a 2-yard touchdown reception. His physicality after the catch made him a tough matchup for Pittsburgh’s linebackers.

Cleveland Browns: Defensive Standouts

• Myles Garrett (Defensive End): Garrett was a force, recording three sacks in the first half alone, bringing his season total to 10. He also forced a fumble on Steelers QB Russell Wilson, which led to a Browns field goal. His dominant performance earned him comparisons to the NFL’s elite pass rushers and quieted any debate about who ruled the line of scrimmage that night.

• Grant Delpit (Safety): Delpit sealed the game by knocking down Wilson’s Hail Mary attempt in the end zone. His coverage was key in limiting Pittsburgh’s passing game.

• DeShon Elliott (Safety): Elliott recovered a fumble and helped contain Pittsburgh’s tight ends, contributing to the Browns’ defensive effort.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Key Offensive Performers

• Russell Wilson (Quarterback): Wilson completed 21 of 28 passes for 270 yards and one touchdown but struggled with consistency due to the snowy conditions and Garrett’s pressure. A fumble and a failed Hail Mary attempt on the final play hurt Pittsburgh’s chances.

• Jaylen Warren (Running Back): Warren led the Steelers’ ground game with 54 yards on 11 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. He was a bright spot in an otherwise quiet rushing attack.

• Calvin Austin III (Wide Receiver): Austin was the top receiver, catching 4 passes for 37 yards and a 23-yard touchdown that briefly gave Pittsburgh a 19-18 lead.

• Najee Harris (Running Back): Harris was held in check, managing only 16 yards on 6 carries, as Cleveland’s defense dominated the line of scrimmage.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Defensive Standouts

• Nick Herbig (Linebacker): Herbig forced a fumble on Winston in the fourth quarter, which Pittsburgh recovered at Cleveland’s 27-yard line, setting up their go-ahead touchdown.

• Donte Jackson (Cornerback): Jackson intercepted Winston late in the game, giving Pittsburgh a chance to take the lead.

• T.J. Watt (Linebacker): Despite a quiet stat line with no sacks, Watt’s presence forced Cleveland to adjust their blocking schemes, and he remains a key figure with 17 career sacks against the Browns.

Game 1 Key Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats Table

This game showcased Cleveland’s resilience, with Chubb and Garrett leading the way. The snowy conditions played a role, limiting both offenses, but the Browns’ ability to convert on critical fourth-down plays and capitalize on turnovers sealed the upset.

Game 2: Steelers 27, Browns 14 (December 8, 2024)

The Steelers bounced back in Week 14 at Acrisure Stadium, taking advantage of Cleveland’s miscues to win 27-14. Without star receiver George Pickens, Pittsburgh leaned on their defense and a balanced offense to split the season series. Here’s how the players performed.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Key Offensive Performers

• Russell Wilson (Quarterback): Wilson was efficient, throwing for 158 yards and two touchdowns on 14 of 21 passes. He connected with Van Jefferson for a 10-yard touchdown and found another receiver for a score, avoiding the turnovers that plagued him in the first meeting.

• Najee Harris (Running Back): Harris redeemed himself, rushing for 67 yards on 15 carries and scoring a 1-yard touchdown. His physical running style wore down Cleveland’s defense.

• Van Jefferson (Wide Receiver): Stepping up in Pickens’ absence, Jefferson caught 3 passes for 42 yards and a touchdown, proving to be a reliable target.

• Jaylen Warren (Running Back): Warren added 45 yards on 8 carries, complementing Harris in a solid ground game that controlled the clock.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Defensive Standouts

• Cam Heyward (Defensive Tackle): Heyward was a disruptor, recording two sacks on Winston and helping to limit Cleveland’s offense. His veteran presence was key in the trenches.

• Keeanu Benton (Defensive Tackle): Benton grabbed his first career interception on a tipped pass at the line of scrimmage, setting up a Steelers touchdown.

• T.J. Watt (Linebacker): Watt again didn’t record a sack but applied consistent pressure, forcing Winston into rushed throws.

Cleveland Browns: Key Offensive Performers

• Jameis Winston (Quarterback): Winston struggled, completing 16 of 27 passes for 168 yards, with no touchdowns and two interceptions. A fumble and a failed fourth-down attempt further hampered Cleveland’s offense.

• Nick Chubb (Running Back): Chubb was limited to 43 yards on 12 carries, as Pittsburgh’s defense stacked the box to stop him. He scored a touchdown but couldn’t replicate his Week 12 dominance.

• Jerome Ford (Running Back): Ford provided a spark with a 56-yard kickoff return but managed only 22 yards on 7 carries in the run game.

• Jerry Jeudy (Wide Receiver): Jeudy caught 4 passes for 52 yards but couldn’t find the end zone.

Cleveland Browns: Defensive Standouts

• Isaiah McGuire (Defensive End): McGuire forced a fumble late in the fourth quarter, giving Cleveland a chance to get back in the game, but the offense couldn’t capitalize.

• Myles Garrett (Defensive End): Garrett was quieter than in Week 12, with one sack but less overall impact as Pittsburgh’s offensive line adjusted their game plan.

Game 2 Key Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats Table

Pittsburgh’s defense capitalized on Cleveland’s mistakes, including two missed field goals by Dustin Hopkins and a muffed punt by Kadarius Toney. The Steelers’ ability to control the clock (32:37 time of possession) and avoid turnovers was the difference.

What the Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats Tell Us About the Rivalry

Offensive Trends

• Browns Rely on Chubb: Nick Chubb’s performance is a barometer for Cleveland’s success. In their Week 12 win, he ran for 93 yards and two touchdowns, but in the Week 14 loss, he was held to 43 yards. Pittsburgh’s ability to neutralize him in the second game was key.

• Steelers’ Passing Game: Russell Wilson’s efficiency improved from Week 12 to Week 14, cutting down on mistakes and spreading the ball to secondary receivers like Van Jefferson when George Pickens was out.

• Turnovers Matter: Both games were decided by turnovers. Cleveland’s defense forced two in Week 12 (a fumble and a missed field goal), while Pittsburgh’s defense forced three in Week 14 (two interceptions and a fumble).

Defensive Dominance

• Myles Garrett vs. T.J. Watt: The battle between these two elite pass rushers is a highlight of the rivalry. Garrett’s three-sack performance in Week 12 outshined Watt, who had no sacks in either game but still holds a historical edge with 17 career sacks against Cleveland.

• Steelers’ Turnover Differential: Pittsburgh’s +11 turnover differential in 2024 (compared to Cleveland’s -5) underscores their ability to force mistakes, which was evident in their Week 14 win.

Special Teams Struggles

• Browns’ Kicking Woes: Dustin Hopkins’ two missed field goals in Week 14 were costly, while Chris Boswell’s miss in Week 12 hurt Pittsburgh. Special teams reliability could be a factor in future matchups.

Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats Historical Context and Player Milestones

• Chubb’s Milestone: His 50th career touchdown in Week 12 was a testament to his resilience after a major injury.

• Garrett’s Sack Streak: Garrett’s 10 sacks in 2024, including three against Pittsburgh, cement his status as one of the NFL’s top defenders.

• Steelers’ Dominance: Pittsburgh has won 43 of 52 games against Cleveland since 1994, but the Browns’ Week 12 win marked their first season sweep since 1999-2000.

Why This Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats Rivalry Matters

The Steelers-Browns matchup is more than just stats—it’s about pride, history, and two fan bases that live for these games. The proximity of Pittsburgh and Cleveland fuels the intensity, with fans often traveling the two-hour drive to cheer on their team. Youngstown, Ohio, a midpoint between the cities, is split 50/50 in fandom, making it a microcosm of the rivalry’s passion.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats in 2025

The next Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats matchup is slated for October 12, 2025, at Acrisure Stadium. Based on 2024’s trends, here are a few things to watch:

• Can Chubb Stay Dominant? His health and ability to break through Pittsburgh’s run defense will be crucial.

• Will Wilson Find Consistency? Russell Wilson’s performance varies, but minimizing turnovers could give Pittsburgh an edge.

• Garrett vs. Watt, Round 148: These two will continue to battle for defensive supremacy, and their stat lines will likely dictate the game’s flow.

Conclusion

The Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats rivalry continues to deliver exciting moments and standout performances. From Nick Chubb’s heroic return to Myles Garrett’s sack barrage and Russell Wilson’s clutch throws, the 2024 matchups gave fans plenty to cheer about. Whether you’re rooting for the black and gold or the orange and brown, the player stats tell a story of grit, talent, and heart. Keep an eye on these teams in 2025, as the Turnpike Rivalry is sure to bring more unforgettable battles.