Browns set NFL playoff record for first quarter points scored in wildcard game against Steelers

This time around, the Cleveland Browns are on the right side of the story. In Sunday night’s playoff game against the Steelers, Cleveland took a 28-0 first quarter lead. The Browns’ 28 points in the first quarter are the most scored by a team in NFL playoff history.

The scoring frenzy began when Karl Joseph recovered the high pressure from Maurkice Pouncey in the end zone in the first scrimmage game of the match. Moments later, after MJ Stewart knocked out Ben Roethlisberger, Baker Mayfield and Jarvis Landry connected on a 40-yard touchdown pass. A Pittsburgh punt was followed by Kareem Hunt’s 11-yard touchdown. Roethlisberger’s Sheldrick Redwine pick on Pittsburgh’s next possession gave Hunt an eight-yard touchdown.

The Browns are looking to win their first playoff game since 2002, when Cleveland – led by Bill Belichick – beat Bill Parcells’ Patriots in the wildcard round. Cleveland had a 24-7 lead over the Steelers in the 2002 wild card round (the last time Cleveland was in the playoffs) before Tommy Maddox rallied Pittsburgh to a 36-33 victory.

While a 28-point first quarter is pretty staggering, the Browns’ early start is even more breathtaking is the fact that Cleveland has been forced to practically train for most of the week due to a COVID outbreak. -19. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, candidate for Coach of the Year, watches the home game after testing positive for the virus. The Browns also play without starters Olivier Vernon, cornerback Denzel Ward and offensive lineman Joel Bitonio.

The Browns may have set the first quarter playoff scoring record, but the 1987 Washington team still hold the record for most runs scored in a single playoff game. Washington, behind four touchdown passes from Doug Williams, scored 35 points in the second quarter of their 42-10 win over the Broncos in Super Bowl XXII.