A first half that saw some light precipitation quickly turned Huntington Bank Field into a winter wonderland in the second half.
As the snow settled on the field, it became more difficult for players to keep their footing on the suddenly slippery surface.
“So, the second half really was the game that we thought we may get really all week, with the first half being normal conditions with wind somewhat of a factor. So, really had a first half where we stuck to a ‘normal’ game plan,” Stefanski said. “And then that second half, there were definitely some adjustments by both teams because of the footing.”
While the Browns were able to lead a comeback in the fourth quarter amidst the weather, the wind and precipitation affected their gameplan in all three phases.
On their final drive, a field goal would have been sufficient for the Browns to retake the lead, only trailing the Steelers by a point. However, even when they encountered fourth down from the Pittsburgh 24-yard line, Stefanski said after the game that a field goal was never in consideration.
“My mindset was fourth-and-whatever the distance was,” Stefanski said. “I was not going to kick from back there. I don’t think it’s in those conditions, into the Dawg Pound with that footing, you’d have to kick a really short field goal down there.”
The Browns prepared all week in anticipation of the poor weather, and multiple players expressed their appreciation for the equipment staff for keeping them warm and for providing spikes for their cleats designed to provide traction in the snow.
“Shout out to the equipment staff for giving us our screw-ons man,” Winston said after the game. “It was good, but it snowed, man. It wasn’t the best footing, but this is football, right? This is Cleveland, Ohio.”
