With the 2025 NFL season approaching, Steelers.com revisits memorable games against their opponents. This edition focuses on a significant victory over the Cleveland Browns.
On December 24, 2005, at Cleveland Browns Stadium, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Browns with a decisive 41-0 shutout. The win positioned the Steelers favorably for the postseason, with one game left against the Detroit Lions.
“We’ll take some time, enjoy Christmas, come back and understand what we have in front of us,” said Coach Bill Cowher after the game. “We control our destiny. That’s the only thing that counts.”
This victory marked the Steelers’ first shutout since defeating the Browns 22-0 on October 22, 2000. It also set them up to secure a playoff spot with a win against the Lions.
“It’s big, man,” said defensive lineman Casey Hampton. “It’s a one-game season. We control our own destiny, you can’t ask for anything else. That’s what you play for.”
The Steelers started strong with running back Jerome Bettis scoring a two-yard touchdown and receiver Hines Ward catching a seven-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
“This was one of those games where we clicked really well on offense,” said Roethlisberger. “Our defense was out there having fun flying around. It was fun watching them.”
Kicker Jeff Reed added two field goals in the second quarter, giving the Steelers a 20-0 halftime lead.
Receiver Quincy Morgan caught a 31-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Charlie Batch, extending their lead to 41-0 against his former team.
“My Christmas is good now,” said Morgan. “I don’t need anything else for Christmas.”
The Steelers’ defense limited the Browns to just 63 rushing yards and 183 passing yards while sacking quarterback Charlie Frye eight times.
“It’s real big,” said linebacker James Harrison. “That’s what you want to do as a defense, shut out a team.”
Harrison made an impact off the field as well when he tackled a fan who ran onto it during the game.
“When he first came out, he took off after ‘V,'” said Harrison. “He started toward our sideline… With his back to me, I thought I could take him down safely without risking injury to myself or my teammates and hold him there until the proper authorities came.”
