Cleveland, OH (Sports Network) - Ben Roethlisberger's return may come too
little and too late for the Pittsburgh Steelers to achieve their goal of an
AFC North title.
Emergency starter Charlie Batch threw three interceptions and the Steelers
turned the ball over eight times in all during an ugly 20-14 road loss to the
Cleveland Browns that could impact their postseason chances later on.
Trent Richardson had 112 yards from scrimmage and rushed for a go-ahead
touchdown in the third quarter to help the Browns (3-8) register only a third
victory in their last 25 matchups with the division-rival Steelers, but the
Cleveland defense turned out to be the biggest stars of the game.
The Browns recovered five fumbles -- including one each by four different
Pittsburgh running backs -- in addition to their three picks of Batch and
scored 17 points off the Steelers' litany of errors.
Brandon Weeden added a touchdown pass while completing 17-of-26 throws for 158
yards with an interception for the Browns, who are now 3-3 following an 0-5
beginning to the season.
Pittsburgh (6-5), meanwhile, has now dropped two straight heading into next
week's showdown at the AFC North front-running Ravens, who dealt the Steelers
a 13-10 defeat in the Steel City last Sunday in a game Roethlisberger also
missed due to injuries to his right shoulder and ribs.
The Steelers entered the day two games behind the Ravens in the division
standings.
Cleveland also held Pittsburgh to just 242 total yards, with Batch managing
199 through the air on 20-of-34 passing.
The Sports Network