Multiple players on all three sides of the ball stepped up for the Browns in their last-second 27-24 win over the Steelers in Week 4. Behind those performances, the Browns improved to 3-1 and moved into first place in the AFC North.
"I've said it since I got here, our guys just come to work every day and say, spot the ball," head coach Todd Monken said. "We had a great Monday, and they didn't blink when we did a little bit on Tuesday, trying to speed it up a little bit. And then Wednesday, and we walked through today at the facility, again, they didn't blink. They didn't say, 'why are we doing this? Why are we doing this?' They just show up and work. And so does our staff, they show up and work. And a credit to our staff and the players, that this is what it's all about, is the players, the work they put in, and our staff."
Here are four players that helped the Browns secure their first three-game winning streak since 2023.
Andre Szmyt
With the game in his hands, and a chance to propel the Browns to first place in the AFC North, K Andre Szmyt came through in the clutch. When the Steelers tied the game 24-24 just under two minutes remaining, the Browns drove the ball 36 net yards to the edge of field goal range for a 56-yard attempt with 15 seconds remaining.
Szmyt lined up and delivered a booming kick that went straight through the uprights. The rest of the special teams unit swarmed Szmyt near midfield as the Browns took a three-point lead with 10 seconds left in the game. The 56-yard-long field marked a career-long for Szmyt, whose previous career-high was 55 yards.
"As soon as I hit it and I looked up, I knew it was good," Szmyt said.
Szmyt also converted on a 44-yard attempt earlier in the fourth quarter to give the Browns an eight-point lead. Following both his field goals, Szmyt has converted on 22 consecutive attempts, the fourth longest streak in Browns history. The 56-yard-long field goal is also tied for the seventh-longest in Browns history.
"You almost don't even think, you just go out there and do," Szmyt said. "And I mentioned it before, Rex (Sunahara), Corey (Bojorquez), they make my job real easy. And when I trust those guys and trust the protection, it allows me to just go out there and play free and be myself."
Denzel Ward
After the Browns struggled in the first quarter, CB Denzel Ward helped to flip the game early in the second. With the Steelers driving the ball up 7-0, Ward mirrored WR Michael Pittman Jr.'s route to intercept QB Aaron Rodgers. The interception gave the Browns excellent starting field position at their 44-yard line, which led to their first touchdown of the game.
"(Pittman) was to the inside of me and I saw out of the corner of my eye Rodgers throw it," Ward said. "Then I was able to speed turn and track the ball down and take it away."
On the two drives before Ward's interception, the Browns' offense recorded just 31 yards on seven plays, with both possessions ending in punts. On the three drives following Ward's takeaway, Cleveland compiled 192 yards on 19 plays, with each one ending in a touchdown. The interception was Ward's 19th of his career and first of the season, coming at the perfect time to help give the Browns a spark.
"Big credit to Denzel Ward," Monken said. "I mean, he changed the momentum of the game. We just didn't convert the first drive, and then we had a big play and then stalled, and Denzel flipped it. And then we kind of got things going a little bit, got in a good rhythm. Then we just turned it over in the second half, moved it decent."
Quinshon Judkins
The Browns established the run game effectively against the Steelers, especially in the second half, which RB Quinshon Judkins played a critical part in. Judkins rushed for 53 yards on 17 carries and one touchdown in the win. The rushing touchdown was Judkins' first of the season and eighth of his career.
In addition to his effectiveness on the ground, Judkins was the Browns' third leading receiver in the pass game. He recorded a career-high six receptions for 43 yards, including a key 10-yard reception in the fourth quarter on second-and-14 on the Browns' first field goal drive. Judkins finished the game with a team-high 96 yards from scrimmage.
Adin Huntington
DT Adin Huntington stepped up and played an increased role for the Browns after DT Mason Graham was injured around the halfway point of the first quarter. He recorded the first full sack of his career in the third quarter, bringing down Rodgers for a loss of three yards on third-and-5 to force a Steelers punt.
In addition to his sack, Huntington recorded three quarterback hits and one tackle for loss. He also added on three total tackles to his performance and had another would-be sack that was negated by a penalty in the second quarter.
"The first one got taken away, the strip sack. But I knew just keep fighting, keep rushing," Huntington said. "I know I normally get hotter in the second half and (I) just kept fighting and had the opportunity to get them. It was a blessing."
See the best photos as the Cleveland Browns celebrate their 27-24 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Stadium.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) and Head Coach Todd Monken celebrate after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Head Coach Todd Monken celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Jaleel McLaughlin (38) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Jaleel McLaughlin (38) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver KC Concepcion Jr. (1) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (25) and Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) celebrate after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (96) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Winston Reid (59) and Offensive guard Zak Zinter (70) celebrate after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Khordae Sydnor (90) and Defensive end Sam Williams (54) celebrate after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Daniel Thomas (24) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Raheim Sanders (23) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (42) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Daniel Thomas (24) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Carsen Ryan (48) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9), Wide receiver KC Concepcion Jr. (1), and Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) celebrate after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Spencer Fano (55) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver KC Concepcion Jr. (1) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver KC Concepcion Jr. (1) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Tyson Campbell (7) and Defensive Backs Coach/Pass Game Specialist Coach Brandon Lynch celebrate after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (0) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Head Coach Todd Monken and Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) celebrate after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) and Kicker Andre Szmyt (25) celebrate after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive Line Coach Jacques Cesaire celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver KC Concepcion Jr. (1) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13), Long snapper Rex Sunahara (50),Kicker Andre Szmyt (25), and Defensive lineman Adin Huntington (98) celebrate after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (25) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Punter Wes Pahl (36) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Jared Verse (8) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive lineman Adin Huntington (98) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13), Kicker Andre Szmyt (25), Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49), and Long snapper Rex Sunahara (50) celebrate after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Toriano Pride Jr. (35) and Cornerback Myles Harden (26) celebrate after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) and Long snapper Rex Sunahara (50) celebrate after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
The defense celebrate after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (25) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51), Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33), and Defensive lineman Adin Huntington (98) celebrate after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) and Running back Jaleel McLaughlin (38) celebrate after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
The defense celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Center Luke Wypler (56) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Tyson Campbell (7) and Defensive Backs Coach/Pass Game Specialist Coach Brandon Lynch celebrate after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Donovan McMillon (31), Cornerback Tyson Campbell (7), and Safety Daniel Thomas (24) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Center Luke Wypler (56) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Head Coach Todd Monken and Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) celebrate after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) and Head Coach Todd Monken celebrate after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) and Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) celebrate after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) and Wide receiver KC Concepcion Jr. (1) celebrate after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) and Safety Donovan McMillon (31) celebrate after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Malachi Corley (11) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Long snapper Rex Sunahara (50), Punter Corey Bojorquez (13), Kicker Andre Szmyt (25), and Long snapper Rex Sunahara (50) celebrate after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Quincy Williams (5) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13), Long snapper Rex Sunahara (50), and Kicker Andre Szmyt (25) celebrate after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive Coordinator Mike Rutenberg and Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) celebrate after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Head Coach Todd Monken celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. (51) and Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) celebrate after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver KC Concepcion Jr. (1) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Center Luke Wypler (56) celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
Head Coach Todd Monken celebrates after an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on October 1, 2026 at Huntington Bank Field.
