Browns vs. Steelers: Twitter Reaction and Full Postgame Quotes

It took over 59 of the game’s 60 minutes, but the Pittsburgh Steelers mercifully put away the Cleveland Browns 30-27 on a last-minute field goal by Shaun Suisham. The Steelers jumped out to a 27-3 halftime lead, only to see it all fall apart in the second half.

This game had a little of everything. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was slinging it all over the field to the tune of 365 yards, and second-year running back Le’Veon Bell was dominant with 197 total yards of offense and a touchdown.

Early in the game, everything was going right for the Steelers. Pittsburgh came out firing, and of course, it was wide receiver Antonio Brown to spark the action. 

"

Ben and @AntonioBrown84 hookup on the second play of the game for 41-yards. #HereWeGo

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 7, 2014"

In fact, everything was going right for Pittsburgh in terms of big plays. Whether it was Brown, wide receiver Markus Wheaton or Bell, the Steelers were getting yards in chunks.

"

Man is Le'Veon Bell having himself a day. Has to be close to 100 yards rushing/receiving yards and had a TD nullified by a hold.

— Scott Brown (@ScottBrown_ESPN) September 7, 2014"

"

Markus Wheaton announces his presence with authority with 40-yard catch on 3rd and 6. Drug both feet on sideline easily #Steelers

— Dale Lolley (@dlolleyor) September 7, 2014"

Nevertheless, for everything that went right in the first half, it all went wrong in the second. The Browns came out with a plan of attack—namely a hurry-up offense—and the Steelers defense had no answer.

"

Bad series by @Steelers defense to open the second half. Browns go 80 yards in 6 plays in 1:33 for a TD. 27-10

— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) September 7, 2014"

"

This Browns-Steelers game has completely changed. It’s like Pittsburgh forgot to come out for the second half.

— Bart Hubbuch (@HubbuchNYP) September 7, 2014"

If fact, it wasn’t until the final minute of the game that Pittsburgh sealed the victory. With just seconds to play, Suisham lined up and nailed a 41-yard field goal to vault the Steelers to a 1-0 record.

"

STEELERS WIN! Shaun Suisham hits 41-yarder as time expires for win over Browns, 30-27.

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 7, 2014"

Oh, about that kick

No matter what else happened in this game, the play that everyone will remember is Brown’s kick to the head of Cleveland punter Spencer Lanning. Here is what I believe is the original video and audio of the play (not really). 

"

It's over @Benstonium wins the Internet with his @AntonioBrown84 Karate Kid video https://t.co/In6cHi2F1Z

— Mikey (@fsmikey) September 7, 2014"

In all seriousness, the play was quite bizarre, and Lanning was fortunate not to have been hurt. Fox Sports Rules Analyst Mike Pereira shared his insight as it was happening.

"

Here's my take (VIDEO) on that Antonio Brown flying kick to the face http://t.co/vV2nvm8jjo

— Mike Pereira (@MikePereira) September 7, 2014"

In the final analysis, it was a dumb penalty by Brown, when he could have easily cut to the outside and likely scored a touchdown. Look for the memes to come in droves on this one. In his defense, here is what Brown said about the play after the game:

"

Antonio Brown on kicking the Browns punter: "I had my mind made up he was going under me. I tried to get over him, no intent to hurt him"

— Ken Laird (@Ken_Laird) September 7, 2014"

What went wrong?

When the Browns forged their second-half comeback, there was doubt whether or not the Steelers could stem the tide. Joe Starkey of 97.3 The Fan in Pittsburgh sent this tweet out midcollapse.

"

If Browns complete this comeback -- with all no-names on offense -- it will be Tomlin's worst loss. Easily. No close second.

— Joe Starkey (@JoeStarkey1) September 7, 2014"

Fortunately for Tomlin, it didn’t come to this. He knew he still had Roethlisberger under center and second-year, offensive weapons Bell and Wheaton to help turn things around.

Guard Ramon Foster was singing their praises after the game.

"

Foster on Wheaton & Bell: "Biggest jump is from 1st year to 2nd & they showed it. Really impressed w Markus. Le’Veon is a really good back"

— Ken Laird (@Ken_Laird) September 7, 2014"

Overall, a win is a win, and the Steelers are now 1-0. Just like Tomlin said in the postgame, via the 102.5 WDVE Twitter feed:

"

Tomlin: great to start 1-0 with a division win.

— 102.5 WDVE (@DVERADIO) September 7, 2014"

However, as it also pointed out:

"

Burn that second half film....now

— 102.5 WDVE (@DVERADIO) September 7, 2014"

This is one of those games you try not to think about too much. Especially, when you have a short week. And even more so when it’s a short week, a road game and a division rival—the Baltimore Ravens. Be happy with the win and try not to wonder too much about what went wrong.