Browns and Steelers botch final seconds in kickoff-rule era

The Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers mismanaged the final seconds of their game on Sunday, repeating mistakes highlighted by the Ravens and Cowboys earlier in the day. The Browns kicked into the end zone, giving the Steelers the ball at the 35-yard line with 10 seconds left. The Steelers, holding a timeout, needed a moderate gain to attempt a game-tying field goal. Instead, quarterback Aaron Rodgers rolled right and threw a long pass that was intercepted, ending the game without a field goal attempt. The 2025 rule change moving touchbacks from the 30 to the 35-yard line has altered end-game strategy. The Browns conceded the 35, and the Steelers failed to capitalize with a quick short throw, leaving a Hail Mary option unused.