PITTSBURGH – The Browns had the Steelers where they wanted them. Backed up at the 4-yard line, leading by just four points.
But Ben Roethlisberger beat the Browns blitz three times in five plays on the touchdown drive as the Steelers took a commanding 14-3 lead at Heinz Field through three quarters.
After Reggie Hodges dropped his third punt of the day inside the 3-yard line with backspin, the Steelers had the ball at the 4 up 7-3. On the first play, Roethlisberger hit speedy receiver Mike Wallace for 50 yards.
Cornerback Eric Wright blitzed, leaving rookie safety T.J. Ward matched up with Wallace. It was more like a mismatch, as Wallace ran right by him. He didn’t score, but flipped the field.
Roethlisberger finished the scoring drive with an 8-yard touchdown to Hines Ward on third down against an all-out blitz. Ward caught the ball at about the 4, but Wright couldn’t make the tackle to force a field goal.
The Browns are down to Chansi Stuckey and Brian Robiskie at receiver, with Joshua Cribbs and Mohamed Massaquoi out with concussions.