Photo: steelers.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers had just 45 seconds to work with before halftime against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, but that was more than enough time for Aaron Rodgers and the offense to put together one of their most impressive drives of the afternoon.
Trailing 13-6, Cleveland had just connected on a 49-yard field goal to make it a one-score game. Pittsburgh responded by moving 69 yards in only six plays, finishing the possession with an unexpected touchdown from tight end Pat Freiermuth.
Jaylen Warren started the possession with a 23-yard run from Pittsburgh’s 31-yard line, immediately putting the Steelers near midfield. Rodgers then connected with Germie Bernard for two yards before finding Freiermuth over the middle for a 28-yard gain to Cleveland’s 16-yard line.
Another completion to Bernard moved the ball to the one-yard line, where Rodgers spiked the football with six seconds remaining to stop the clock.
On the following play, with five seconds showing, the Steelers lined up in shotgun. However, instead of Rodgers receiving the snap, the football went directly to Freiermuth, who powered up the middle for a one-yard touchdown.
Chris Boswell added the extra point, giving Pittsburgh a 20-6 lead with just one second remaining in the first half.
Pat Freiermuth sneaks it in!
CLEvsPIT on CBS/Paramount+
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/NlChjc5Gqt— NFL (@NFL) November 1, 2026
Freiermuth finished the game with two receptions for 35 yards, but his biggest contribution came on the ground. The direct snap was officially recorded as a one-yard rushing touchdown, one of three rushing scores Pittsburgh produced in its 27-6 victory.
The play was a welcome change for an offense that hasn’t always been efficient near the goal line. Rather than settling for another field goal, Pittsburgh used a creative formation to catch Cleveland off guard and turn a seven-point advantage into a two-touchdown lead.
It was also a significant momentum swing heading into halftime, especially considering the Browns had just narrowed the deficit moments earlier. Pittsburgh never allowed Cleveland to get any closer, adding another touchdown in the third quarter to put the game out of reach.
