National Football League

MNF Top Plays: Steelers top Browns on emotional night for Roethlisberger

Updated Jan. 4, 2022 12:16 a.m. ET

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Week 17 action came to a close as Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers knocked off the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football 26-14. 

It was an emotional scene in Pittsburgh for Big Ben, who led the Steelers to a victory in what is widely speculated to be his final game at Heinz Field.

With the win, the Steelers have their ninth season sweep of Cleveland since 2007 under coach Mike Tomlin. 

Here are the top plays from Monday Night Football.

Pittsburgh Steelers 26, Cleveland Browns 14

Roethlisberger was met with cheers as he took the field for his 124th career home start.

FIRST QUARTER

Nick Chubb got things going early for the Browns, breaking off for a 32-yard gain before Cleveland turned it over on downs.

SECOND QUARTER

The Steelers were first on the board after Diontae Johnson reeled in a short touchdown pass from Big Ben.

The Steelers' defense came up with its first takeaway of the game, picking off Baker Mayfield midway through the second, bringing his stat line to 1-for-10 passing for an abysmal 20 yards on five drives.

The turnover set up a short field and Pittsburgh took a 10-0 lead after kicking a field goal ahead of the break. 

THIRD QUARTER

Najee Harris broke the Steelers' rookie rushing record after this 30-yard gain to bring his season total to 1,085 yards, surpassing Franco Harris' 1,055-yard record from 1972 when the NFL played a 14-game schedule. 

The big gain helped set up the Steelers for another field goal, extending their lead to 13-0. 

On the Browns' ensuing drive, Chubb showed what his legs –– and arms –– could do. 

Check out this massive stiff arm.

Shortly after, the Browns finally got on the board, as David Njoku reeled in this pass from Mayfield for Cleveland's first TD.

Just like that, it was a six-point game headed into the final frame.

FOURTH QUARTER

T.J. Watt made history in the fourth quarter after racking up his fourth sack of the night, bringing his season total to 20.5. 

As the 27-year-old All-Pro continued to do what he does best, the Steelers added two field goals to extend their lead to 19-7.

In the final minutes, Mayfield connected with tight end Harrison Bryant for a 1-yard TD to keep things close.

But the game wasn't in question for long, as Harris exploded for a 37-yard TD to give Pittsburgh a 26-14 lead.

The Steelers sealed the deal after picking off Mayfield on the Browns' final drive. 

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National Football League

Cleveland Browns

Pittsburgh Steelers

NFL - Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers - 01/04/2022

Baker Mayfield

Ben Roethlisberger

Nick Chubb

Diontae Johnson

Najee Harris

David Njoku

T.J. Watt

Harrison Bryant