Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Box Score on Jan 03, 2016

The Sports Xchange
Jan 3, 2016

CLEVELAND -- The Pittsburgh Steelers survived three turnovers Sunday and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw three touchdown passes to carry the Steelers past the Cleveland Browns, 28-12.

As a result of their win and the Buffalo Bills' 22-17 victory over the New York Jets, the Steelers (10-6) will advance to the playoffs.

The Browns put up a fight, but lost for the 13th time this season. The 3-13 finish is their worst since 2000 when they were also 3-13. It was their 18th defeat in the last 21 games.

There is no official word yet, but Browns coach Mike Pettine is expected to be fired, according to numerous reports. Pettine is 10-22 in two seasons.

Roethlisberger is now 19-2 lifetime against the Browns since being drafted in 2004. He is 9-2 in games played in Cleveland. He completed 24 of 36 passes for 349 yards Sunday and also threw two interceptions.

Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams suffered an ankle injury in the second quarter and did not return. They were already without Le'Veon Bell, their primary running back, who is on injured reserve with a knee injury.

The Browns, trailing 14-9 in the third quarter, had a chance to take a lead after linebacker Craig Robertson intercepted a pass by Roethlisberger. Robertson returned the ball 38 yards to the Pittsburgh 9, but on third-and-goal from the 5, a pass from Browns quarterback Austin Davis was intercepted by linebacker James Harrison on the goal line.

The Steelers' stout defense turned back the Browns again when Pittsburgh forced Cleveland to settle for a field goal on the first play of the fourth quarter. The 29-yard kick was Travis Coons' fourth field

Roethlisberger took advantage of injuries in the Browns secondary throughout the game. Cornerback Joe Haden (injured reserve) and cornerback Tramon Williams both missed the game with concussions.

The Steelers were stopped on their first possession but marched 70 yards the second time they had the ball and scored on a 2-yard pass from Roethlisberger to tight end Heath Miller for a 7-0 lead.

A 17-yard dart to wide receiver Antonio Brown with 1:02 left in the first half stretched the lead to 14-6.

The Steelers cashed in two fumbles by the Browns in the first five minutes of the fourth quarter for 10 points. Roethlisberger threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marcus Wheaton. Chris Boswell kicked a 21-yard field goal.

NOTES: Steelers WR Antonio Brown entered the game with 54 catches for 867 yards and six touchdowns vs. the Browns. He caught 13 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown Sunday...The Steelers released WR Jacoby Jones and signed S Ross Ventrone...Browns CB Charles Gaines was inactive so he could be with his girlfriend who was in labor...Pierre Desir replaced Gaines as a starter.