Missed kicks and missed chances: Cleveland Browns fall to Pittsburgh Steelers 27-14 for 10th loss of season

Two interceptions were thrown by Jameis Winston, two field goals were missed by Dustin Hopkins, and Cleveland suffered its 21st consecutive regular-season loss at Acrisure Stadium.

CLEVELAND — The snow was gone, and with it, the underdog magic.

This Sunday did not bring any memorable triumph for the Browns, no unlikely comeback, and no comfort from what has been an overall dismal season. Instead, all that was felt was the disappointment of yet another away defeat to the rival Steelers.

The 27-14 loss on Sunday was the Browns’ 10th of the 2024 season, and their 21st consecutive defeat in Pittsburgh during regular season play. It was a stark contrast to their victory on a Thursday night 2 1/2 weeks prior, which was characterized by a snowstorm covering Huntington Bank Field.

Six days after setting a new franchise record for passing yards in a game during a trip to Denver, Browns quarterback Jameis Winston was not nearly as effective, completing 24 of 41 throws for 211 yards. Though he did have two touchdowns and gave Cleveland an early 7-3 lead with a 35-yard strike to Jerry Jeudy, he also tossed a pair of costly interceptions, including one in his own territory to set up a Najee Harris TD that gave the Steelers an advantage they would not relinquish.

The offensive line also allowed three sacks, and the Browns were penalized nine times for 81 yards. However, nothing may have cost the club more than special teams, in particular kicker Dustin Hopkins.

Just before halftime, Hopkins come on for a 38-yard straight-on field goal to get Cleveland to within three, but hooked it wide left. Jerome Ford then began the third quarter with a 60-yard kickoff return that led to another kick attempt from 43 yards away, but Hopkins missed it again, this time wide right.

After emerging as one of the NFL’s better kickers in 2023, Hopkins signed a three-year extension with the Browns in the offseason. In his last seven games, he has now missed eight kicks, with six of them being from less than 50 yards away.

Had he converted on both field goals Sunday, Cleveland could’ve theoretically had a chance to win in the fourth quarter. Instead, David Njoku could only add a measure of respectability with a touchdown grab, and needing a miracle down 13, Winston threw yet another pick.

The Browns’ only win at Acrisure Stadium during the last two decades came during the 2020 AFC wild-card round. While the playoff triumph was joyous and historic, it also came without any fans in the stands due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

You May Also Like

American visas of Mexican band members canceled because cartel leader’s image shown at concert

MEXICO CITY – Following a performance in Jalisco over the weekend where…

Archaeologists in Vienna uncover ancient mass grave of warriors from Roman Empire battle

In Vienna, during the renovation of a soccer field last October, construction…

Assessing the impact of Trump’s tariffs on key Asian countries

BANGKOK – The trade war that U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated…

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Offer Sneak Peek of New “Wicked: For Good” Footage at CinemaCon

In Las Vegas, last April, Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and director Jon…

Investigation by 3News: Impact of past tornadoes and severe weather in Northeast Ohio

Ohio saw a record-breaking number of tornadoes in 2024. Taxpayers feel the…

Rubio attends NATO meetings while allies anticipate news on potential US troop reduction in Europe

BRUSSELS – Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, and the new…

Liberal-backed candidate secures victory on Wisconsin Supreme Court, solidifying Democratic majority.

The race drew national attention as Elon Musk traveled to Wisconsin on…

Global Response to US Trade Tariffs against Numerous Countries is Cautious

The tariffs fell most heavily on parts of the world sleeping during…

Rescue Dog in Alaska Not Interested in Cheeseburgers or Chicken after Weeks on the Run

Looking for a timid dog has been a challenging task of building…

“Discover the Winning Powerball Numbers for the $30 Million Jackpot Drawn on April 2, 2025 and Uncover the Prizes Won in Ohio”

The winning numbers were 5, 17, 41, 64, 69 and Powerball 1.…

Unprecedented High-Risk Designation for Wild Weather Forecast on Wednesday

The potent storm system will bring “significant, life-threatening flash flooding” starting Wednesday…

Val Kilmer, the actor, passes away at the age of 65

The versatile Hollywood actor known for portraying Batman and rocker Jim Morrison…