Browns defeat Steelers 27-24 as rookie receivers shine and defensive tackle Mason Graham exits with injury
Cleveland beat Pittsburgh 27-24, highlighted by strong performances from rookie wideouts KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, while defensive tackle Mason Graham left the game injured.
Cleveland held off Pittsburgh 27-24 on Thursday, with rookie wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston combining for 153 yards. The pair have emerged as the Browns' top receiving options early in the season, providing reliable targets for quarterback Deshaun Watson, who has started his third consecutive game with solid play.
The Browns' defensive line was impacted when first-round pick Mason Graham suffered a leg injury and did not return. Graham had been a key interior disruptor in the first three weeks, and his absence may force the team to rely more on fellow linemen Maliek Collins and Mike Hall Jr., as well as increasing pressure on Jared Verse to step up.
For Pittsburgh, veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers continued to struggle with a lack of separation from his receiving corps. Outside of DK Metcalf, the Steelers' receivers generated separation on just 14.7 percent of routes, according to analyst Sam Bruchhaus. General manager Omar Khan added veteran Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie Germie Bernard in an effort to improve the passing game, but they produced only 26 yards against Cleveland.
Running back Jaylen Warren provided a positive note for the Steelers, recording 93 rushing yards against Cleveland and averaging 5.5 yards per carry over his last two games. Despite the team's overall offensive challenges, Warren's performance suggests he could become a focal point of Pittsburgh's attack moving forward.