Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) celebrates with defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) after sacking Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (not pictured) during the first half at Huntington Bank Field. Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Watch: Browns force fourth-down stop after offensive fumble

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Nov 21, 2024 9:54 PM ET

The Browns defense bailed out the offense early in the third quarter against the Steelers on Thursday night.

Following a fumble by wide receiver Cedric Tillman on the third play from scrimmage of the second half, Cleveland's defense forced a turnover on downs on Pittsburgh's ensuing possession.

FUMBLE! The @Steelers recover it early in the 2nd half.#PITvsCLE on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/uqnbXJqX42
— NFL (@NFL) November 22, 2024

Tillman lost the football on a 24-yard reception after being hit by Steelers safety DeShon Elliott. Cornerback Donte Jackson recovered the loose ball, and Pittsburgh moved to its 46-yard line before running back Jaylen Warren was stopped in the backfield on a fourth-and-inches.

Another 4th down stop for the @Browns!#PITvsCLE on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/l9rTv9pdiV
— NFL (@NFL) November 22, 2024

The stop preserved the Browns' 10-3 lead. They entered "Thursday Night Football" as a 3.5-point home underdog, but the sloppy game has benefitted them.

The Steelers also missed a field goal, had a turnover on downs and fumble on three of their five first-half possessions.

It was the sixth time Pittsburgh (8-2) was held without a touchdown in the first half of a game this season, tied with the Giants (2-8) for the most in the NFL, per the Amazon broadcast.

The Browns lead 18-6 into the fourth quarter.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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