PITTSBURGH — Despite already being eliminated from the playoff picture, the Browns had a chance to end the 2022-23 season on a high note by dealing a similar blow to their most-hated rival.
Instead, Sunday's finale in Pittsburgh ended the way Cleveland fans have become very used to since 1999: with a deflating loss and with their team in last place.
The Browns fell to the Steelers 28-14 to finish another disappointing campaign with a 7-10 record. Not only did they blow a chance to earn their first season sweep over their foes from Western Pennsylvania since 1988, but they also missed an opportunity to formally knock the Steelers out of the postseason race.
Week 18 was merely a microcosm of the previous 17: The Browns got off to a promising start by forcing a turnover at the goal line and later getting a touchdown catch from David Njoku, only to fall apart thanks to poor offensive structure, a woefully underachieving defense, and a noted lack of discipline.
Deshaun Watson continued to display many of those issues on Sunday, starting the game 9 of 12 before finishing 10 of his last 17. He threw for 230 yards and a pair of scores, but also had two interceptions, which combined to lead to 10 Steeler points. He was also sacked seven times, a combination of both a shaky offensive line as well as a tendency of Watson to hang onto the ball for an extended period of time.
Even with Watson's struggles, Nick Chubb carried the ball only 12 times, averaging 6.4 yards per attempt. His 77 yards put him over 1,500 for the season, joining Jim Brown as the only two players in franchise history to accomplish that feat.
On defense, coordinator Joe Woods may have been coaching his last game with the team, and the unit delivered yet another dud, allowing 337 total yards and letting rookie QB Kenny Pickett take advantage of several busted coverages, including one by John Johnson III that led to a George Pickens touchdown. Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney was not with the team following critical comments about the organization.
The Browns were also penalized nine times for 65 yards. On two of the Steelers' touchdown drives, they were aided by pass interference flags from Greg Newsome II and Martin Emerson Jr., respectively. Pickett finished with 195 yards and a TD, while Najee Harris added 84 yards on the ground with a score.
Even with the final result, the Steelers still ended up missing the playoffs thanks to the Miami Dolphins' 11-6 victory over the New York Jets. Pittsburgh finishes the season 9-8, meaning head coach Mike Tomlin still has not had a losing record since taking over the team in 2007.
Meanwhile, the Browns' campaign ends with them finishing last in their division for the first time in five years and the 16th time in the last 24 seasons. The offseason now begins with countless questions, from the roster to the coaching staff.
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