Steelers Fall to Browns After Controversial No-Call in Week 17 Loss
The Cleveland Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 13-6 on December 28, 2025, in a critical Week 17 matchup. The game's final play featured a 4th-and-goal pass from the Steelers to Marquez Valdes-Scantling against Browns cornerback Denzel Ward. Despite contact on the play, no pass interference flag was called, and the Steelers turned the ball over, sealing the Browns' victory.
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers described the play as interference and expressed his intent to review the film on previous downs. He also voiced confidence in Valdes-Scantling's ability to make the catch. Valdes-Scantling was targeted several times during the Steelers' final series, but the drive ultimately stalled.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin defended the team's decisions, emphasizing that there were no doubts about their effort to win the game. Meanwhile, Denzel Ward stated he had good position on the final play and was not concerned about the contact.
With this loss, the Steelers now face a winner-takes-all Week 18 game against the Baltimore Ravens to determine the AFC North title and secure a playoff spot.
