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Browns vs. Steelers, Week 17: Pittsburgh defense helps avoid losing season

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Karl Walter

Cornerback Cortez Allen was key in the Pittsburgh Steelers' 24-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns.

The Pittsburgh Steelers finished their season 8-8 after defeating the Cleveland Browns 24-10 on Sunday at Heinz Field. The victory ensured that the Steelers did not end up with a losing record for the first time since 2003.

Pittsburgh's defense was key in the victory, forcing four turnovers and carrying an offense that managed just 212 yards of total offense. One of the biggest contributors on defense was cornerback Cortez Allen, who was lauded by Neil Coolong of SB Nation's Steelers blog Behind the Steel Curtain:

A big part of the reason for that cruise was the second consecutive Defensive Player of the Week worthy performance from cornerback Cortez Allen. The second year defender caused two more turnovers - two forced fumbles - giving him five forced takeaways in the last two weeks. The Steelers had an interception and two fumble recoveries against Cleveland, and Allen caused three more against Cincinnati in Week 16.

Allen finished with eight tackles on the day and also recovered one of his own forced fumbles. The five forced turnovers in the past two weeks accounted for all five of Allen's forced turnovers on the year. The strong performances by the 24-year-old are certainly a bright spot in a rather disappointing campaign for the Steelers.

With their season over, Pittsburgh will now look ahead to the draft. The Steelers will have the No. 17 pick.


                                                                                                                                                                                                               

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