Game story
In Week 9 of the 2001 NFL season on 2001-11-11, the Pittsburgh Steelers took care of business against the Cleveland Browns, pulling away with a 15–12 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 12 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
T. Couch (Cleveland Browns) paced the passing game, with -5.19 total EPA.
On the individual side, A. Zereoue (Pittsburgh Steelers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +7.15 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-30.1% win probability) landed in the third quarter when Pittsburgh Steelers changed the game: (1:00) 10-K.Stewart left end to CLE 1 for 1 yard (78-T.Rogers). FUMBLES (78-T.Rogers), ball out of bounds at CLE 1. Play Challenged by CLE and REVERSED. 10-K.Stewart left end to CLE 1 for 1 yard (78-T
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | OT | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 15 |
| Cleveland Browns | 9 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 A. Zereoue · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +7.15 total EPA · 3 snaps · +2.38 EPA/play
- 2 Q. Morgan · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +2.58 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.65 EPA/play
- 3 K. Stewart · Pittsburgh Steelers · Passing · +2.16 total EPA · 33 snaps · +0.07 EPA/play
- 4 O. Santiago · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +2.06 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.69 EPA/play
- 5 J. Bettis · Pittsburgh Steelers · Rushing · +1.94 total EPA · 29 snaps · +0.07 EPA/play
- 6 J. German · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +1.54 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.51 EPA/play
- 7 P. Burress · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +1.07 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.11 EPA/play
- 8 J. White · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +0.63 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.31 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
A. Zereoue — PIT · Receiving
A. Zereoue posted the highest total EPA (+7.15) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Pittsburgh Steelers's efficiency. Across 3 counted snaps, they averaged +2.38 EPA per play.
The signature play (-6.45 EPA) came from Pittsburgh Steelers: (1:00) 10-K.Stewart left end to CLE 1 for 1 yard (78-T.Rogers). FUMBLES (78-T.Rogers), ball out of bounds at CLE 1. Play Challenged by CLE and REVERSED. 10-K.Stewart left end to CLE 1 for 1 yard (78-T.Rogers). FUMBLES (7
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Cleveland Browns — O. Santiago (T. Couch pass)
Field goals
- Pittsburgh Steelers — K. Brown
- Pittsburgh Steelers — K. Brown
- Pittsburgh Steelers — K. Brown
- Cleveland Browns — P. Dawson
- Pittsburgh Steelers — K. Brown
- Pittsburgh Steelers — K. Brown
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Cleveland Browns won the period 9–3. Cleveland Browns registered a safety from the CLE 99 (Q1 53:51) — (8:51) 36-J.Bettis left guard tackled in End Zone for -1 yards, SAFETY (99-O.Roye).; Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the PIT 12 (Q1 51:43) — (6:43) 2-T.Couch pass to 87-O.Santiago for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q1 51:43) — 4-P.Dawson extra point is GOOD, Center-97-R.Kuehl, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.; Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CLE 13 (Q1 47:47) — (2:47) 3-K.Brown 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller..
The second quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 3–0. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CLE 9 (Q2 36:13) — (6:13) 3-K.Brown 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller..
The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CLE 18 (Q3 26:02) — (11:02) 3-K.Brown 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller.; Cleveland Browns connected on a field goal from the PIT 23 (Q3 20:08) — (5:08) 4-P.Dawson 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-R.Kuehl, Holder-17-C.Gardocki..
The fourth quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 3–0. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CLE 20 (Q4 11:33) — (11:33) 3-K.Brown 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller..
Overtime: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 3–0. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CLE 14 (OT 10:19) — (10:19) 3-K.Brown 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 16:00) — (1:00) 10-K.Stewart left end to CLE 1 for 1 yard (78-T.Rogers). FUMBLES (78-T.Rogers), ball out of bounds at CLE 1. Play Challenged by CLE and REVERSED. 10-K.Stewart left end to CLE 1 for 1 yard (78-T
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 16:49) — (1:49) (Shotgun) 10-K.Stewart pass to 21-A.Zereoue to CLE 2 for 62 yards (24-C.Fuller). Pitt. player Hines Ward injured on play
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 1:40) — (1:40) 3-K.Brown 45 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (OT 14:50) — (14:50) 36-J.Bettis left tackle to CLE 45 for 27 yards (52-B.Boyer).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 27:37) — (12:37) 10-K.Stewart right end to CLE 22 for 40 yards (57-D.Rudd). FUMBLES (57-D.Rudd), ball out of bounds at CLE 22.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 16:00) — (1:00) 10-K.Stewart left end to CLE 1 for 1 yard (78-T.Rogers). FUMBLES (78-T.Rogers), ball out of bounds at CLE 1. Play Challenged by CLE and REVERSED. 10-K.Stewart left end to CLE 1 for 1 yard (78-T
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 16:49) — (1:49) (Shotgun) 10-K.Stewart pass to 21-A.Zereoue to CLE 2 for 62 yards (24-C.Fuller). Pitt. player Hines Ward injured on play
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 27:37) — (12:37) 10-K.Stewart right end to CLE 22 for 40 yards (57-D.Rudd). FUMBLES (57-D.Rudd), ball out of bounds at CLE 22.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 1:40) — (1:40) 3-K.Brown 45 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Left, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller.
Quarterback report card
T.Couch led all passers in efficiency for Cleveland Browns, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- T.Couch (Cleveland Browns) · 41 dropbacks · 43.9% completion · -0.13 EPA/play · -5.19 total EPA
- K.Stewart (Pittsburgh Steelers) · 33 dropbacks · 54.5% completion · +0.07 EPA/play · +2.16 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Pittsburgh Steelers | Cleveland Browns |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.071 | -0.000 |
| Offensive success rate | 47.2% | 42.4% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.109 | -0.128 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.155 | -0.123 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.000 | -0.071 |
| Defensive success rate | 57.6% | 52.8% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Pittsburgh Steelers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.07 vs -0.00), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Cleveland Browns: 12 drives, -0.02 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 13 drives, +6.30 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Pittsburgh Steelers leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- A. Zereoue (Pittsburgh Steelers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Cleveland Browns Safety (+2) — Q1 53:51 · CLE 99 · Score 0-2
(8:51) 36-J.Bettis left guard tackled in End Zone for -1 yards, SAFETY (99-O.Roye). - Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q1 51:43 · PIT 12 · Score 0-8
(6:43) 2-T.Couch pass to 87-O.Santiago for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q1 51:43 · PIT 2 · Score 0-9
4-P.Dawson extra point is GOOD, Center-97-R.Kuehl, Holder-17-C.Gardocki. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q1 47:47 · CLE 13 · Score 3-9
(2:47) 3-K.Brown 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 36:13 · CLE 9 · Score 6-9
(6:13) 3-K.Brown 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q3 26:02 · CLE 18 · Score 9-9
(11:02) 3-K.Brown 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller. - Cleveland Browns FG (+3) — Q3 20:08 · PIT 23 · Score 9-12
(5:08) 4-P.Dawson 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-R.Kuehl, Holder-17-C.Gardocki. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q4 11:33 · CLE 20 · Score 12-12
(11:33) 3-K.Brown 37 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — OT 10:19 · CLE 14 · Score 15-12
(10:19) 3-K.Brown 32 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-4-J.Miller.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns?
The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cleveland Browns 15-12 in Week 9, 2001 on 2001-11-11.
What was the final score of Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns?
The final score was Pittsburgh Steelers 15, Cleveland Browns 12 (PIT 15-12 CLE) in Week 9, 2001 on 2001-11-11.
What was the score by quarter in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns?
Q1: Pittsburgh Steelers 3, Cleveland Browns 9; Q2: Pittsburgh Steelers 3, Cleveland Browns 0; Q3: Pittsburgh Steelers 3, Cleveland Browns 3; Q4: Pittsburgh Steelers 3, Cleveland Browns 0; Q5: Pittsburgh Steelers 3, Cleveland Browns 0; Final: Pittsburgh Steelers 15, Cleveland Browns 12.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns?
Cleveland Browns touchdown — O. Santiago (T. Couch pass) (Q1 51:43) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — K. Brown (Q1 47:47, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — K. Brown (Q2 36:13, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — K. Brown (Q3 26:02, 3 pts) Cleveland Browns field goal — P. Dawson (Q3 20:08, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — K. Brown (Q4 11:33, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — K. Brown (OT 10:19, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns?
T. Couch (Cleveland Browns), 43.9% completion, -0.13 EPA per dropback, -5.19 total passing EPA. K. Stewart (Pittsburgh Steelers), 54.5% completion, +0.07 EPA per dropback, +2.16 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns?
A. Zereoue (Pittsburgh Steelers) led the game in total EPA with +7.15 on receiving plays. across 3 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-6.45 EPA): (1:00) 10-K.Stewart left end to CLE 1 for 1 yard (78-T.Rogers). FUMBLES (78-T.Rogers), ball out of bounds at CLE 1. Play Challenged by CLE and REVERSED. 10-K.Stewart left end to CL. The biggest win-probability swing was -30.1%.
Was Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Pittsburgh Steelers won 15-12 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Pittsburgh Steelers
Entered 5-2 Now 6-2 W
Cleveland Browns
Entered 4-3 Now 4-4 L
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