The Pittsburgh Steelers held off the Cleveland Browns in the first of three twin bills on the “Monday Night Football” schedule, while the New Orleans Saints defeated the Carolina Panthers 2-0. Notably, star running back Nick Chubb was taken off the field due to a major leg injury.
Chubb wasn’t the only important player hurt on Monday evening. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick of the Steelers, who was also hurt by a blow to the chest, exited the game. Shaq Thompson, a seasoned linebacker with the Panthers, also sustained what is thought to be a serious injury. Due to a hamstring injury, Saints running back Jamaal Williams was unable to play in the team’s victory.
During the regular season, the Steelers triumphed over the Browns at home for the twentieth consecutive time.
With two touchdowns from Tony Jones Jr. and two field goals from rookie Blake Grupe, the Saints defeated the Panthers to move to 2-0 for the first time since 2013.
After his team’s 26-22 loss to the Steelers, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski stated that he anticipates Nick Chubb will miss the rest of the season. However, he withheld any specifics regarding the running back’s injury.
“It’s clear that Nick has a serious knee injury. You feel sorry for them,” Stefanski remarked. “He’s a great football player, as we know, but he’s an even better person, so we will support him every step along the way.”
Following the game, the Browns announced that Chubb had been released from a nearby hospital.
Deshaun Watson found wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones with a ball on fourth-and-9. At the end of Peoples-Jones’ route, Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. seemed to grasp his jersey, but referees failed to raise a flag as the football flew over Peoples-Jones’ head.
With one minute left in the fourth quarter, the Browns were forced to turn the ball over on downs due to the non-call.
The Steelers took over possession and ran the clock out.
Both teams traded blows in the AFC North thriller. There were a combined six turnovers (four from Cleveland and two from Pittsburgh).
The Browns ended the game with 408 total yards. Pittsburgh produced 255 total yards. Pittsburgh won despite its offense only converting nine first downs. The Steelers defense picked up the slack for the modest offensive production by scoring on a pick-six to begin the game and getting a strip sack scoop and score late in the fourth quarter.
When the Steelers needed it, their defense produced a massive play that changed the course of the game.
On second and nine, Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith stripped and sacked Deshaun Watson. Outside linebacker T.J. Watt recovered the loose ball and returned it 17 yards for the scoop and score.
The Steelers now had a 26-22 lead after the touchdown.
In the contest, Cleveland has made four mistakes.
Throughout the game, Highsmith has recorded seven tackles, one sack, one interception, and two quarterback hits.
Tonight, the Browns and Steelers have exchanged turnovers.
Browns tight end Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb knocked the football away from David Njoku as he was falling to the ground, and safety Damontae Kazee of the Steelers recovered it.
The Browns have three turnovers, but they still lead 22–19. The game has seen two turnovers for the Steelers.
