Steelers defeat Browns 27-6 to seize AFC North lead
Jaylen Warren rushed for 143 yards on his birthday as Pittsburgh snapped a losing streak against Cleveland.
By Bianca Ricci ·
Pittsburgh has been the toughest stop for Cleveland in recent years, a dynamic that held firm on Sunday.
The Steelers defeated the Browns 27-6 at Acrisure Stadium to claim the top spot in the AFC North. The result improved Pittsburgh's record to 6-2 while dropping Cleveland to 5-3.
The rivalry has been one-sided in Pittsburgh for a decade. This win marked the 23rd consecutive regular-season victory for the Steelers over the Browns in their home stadium. That total ties the NFL record for the most consecutive home wins against a single opponent, a mark previously held by Green Bay against Detroit from 1992 to 2014.
Cleveland had hoped to break the trend. Defensive end Jared Verse predicted during the week that the Browns would make Pittsburgh their own. Instead, the Steelers offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage for more than three hours. The defense sacked quarterback Deshaun Watson eight times.
Running back Jaylen Warren had his best performance of the season on his 28th birthday. He rushed for 143 yards and one touchdown, tying his career high for yardage. Fullback Dowdle added 56 rushing yards, including a nine-yard run up the middle in the first quarter that gave Pittsburgh an early advantage. The Steelers scored on four of their next five possessions.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 13 of 25 passes for 172 yards and one interception. Tight end Pat Freiermuth sealed the first half with a one-yard tush push on the final play before the break. That score put Pittsburgh ahead 20-6 at halftime. The lead never wavered in the second half.
The Steelers will look to extend their dominance in the division this week. They host the next opponent in their schedule as they attempt to maintain the top seed in the AFC North.
Source: Daily Southtown
