Steelers secure playoff spot and beat Browns 13-9

The Steelers have been through a lot to get there, but they are indeed in the NFL playoffs 2012. Injuries to Big Ben & RashardMendenhall in the past few weeks failed to stop their playoff push and they were also able to overcome the cold Cleveland win to gain their 13-9 win Sunday.

Pittsburgh have only lost one time in the last seventeen attempts against Cleveland, a stat the Browns hope to ruin next season. For Pittsburgh their concern still rests on this season as they finished tied first with Baltimore for the AFC North but failed to win due to losing the tiebreaker.

The Steelers will be hoping to add Tim Tebow, his Bronco side and his known "Tebow time" to their list of obstacles overcome next week. Pittsburgh faces the Denver Broncos next week in Denver.

The Cleveland Browns forced to fumbles on Redman and were a last second catch away from defeating their arch rivals. Steelers safety Polamalu tipped the ball that was falling perfectly for rookie wide receiver Little, which meant Pittsburgh eased their way to their 13-9 victory.

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It has been a bad season for the Browns who finished 4-12 which was worse than last season. Shurmur will be hoping that this seasons ability to stay competitive will turn into an ability to win games next season. The Browns defense have kept the Browns in the majority of this seasons games, however with a lack of offensive ability, the Browns were never likely to win many.

Kicked Phil Dawson completed his superb season by kicking three field goals that accounted for all of Cleveland's 9 points. Now for Cleveland the task is to build around Dawson and structure the teams future. With some decent players already members of the Browns roster, the need isn't as desperate as some would think, however Cleveland need to make sure they build a stronger team with a more reliable depth. Kicker Dawson stated that he had given the team his "heart and soul" this season, something which the Browns will be hoping to see from more of its players next season.

Quarterback Wallace completed 16 of 41 passes for 171 yards and one interception and running back Peyton Hillis rushed for 30 yards before leaving through injury. Both will be hoping to settle their future during the offseason and the Browns will be expecting better numbers from this pair next season.

Next for the Steelers is a tricky trip to Denver, in which they will be heavily favored to gain the victory. Next for the Browns is the NFL draft in April in which they will be hoping to gain some much needed presence and ability in the areas weak spots.

By Kenny Brown
ProFootball-fans.com Cleveland Browns Correspondent