Steelers Dominate Browns 27-6 in Week 8 Showdown

WHO:

clevelandbrowns.com - The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Cleveland Browns; Cleveland’s record became 5-3, including a 2-1 AFC North record.

steelers.com - The Steelers improved to 6-2, moved into sole possession of first place in the AFC North, and won their fourth consecutive game. Head coach Mike McCarthy said, “They kept the game about winning football.”

clevelandbrowns.com - Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson completed 27 of 39 passes for 324 yards; tight end Harold Fannin Jr. caught 10 passes for 154 yards.

steelers.com - Steelers running back Jaylen Warren rushed for 143 yards on 17 carries and scored a touchdown; Rico Dowdle rushed for 56 yards and scored a touchdown.

steelers.com - Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 13 of 25 passes for 172 yards. Tight end Darnell Washington caught three passes for a career-high 94 yards.

steelers.com - T.J. Watt recorded two sacks; Patrick Queen had 12 tackles, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a pass defended. Cameron Heyward recorded 1.5 sacks; Kevin Jobity Jr. recorded his first career sack.

clevelandbrowns.com - Browns cornerback Denzel Ward intercepted Rodgers, his third interception of the season and a tie for his career single-season high.

WHAT:

clevelandbrowns.com - Pittsburgh won 27-6. The scoring included touchdown runs by Dowdle (9 yards), Pat Freiermuth (1 yard), and Warren (1 yard); Pittsburgh also made field goals of 20 and 37 yards. Cleveland made field goals of 32 and 49 yards.

steelers.com - Pittsburgh outgained Cleveland 361-319, recorded eight sacks and two takeaways, and held the Browns to 34 rushing yards. Cleveland’s offense scored only two field goals and had no second-half points.

PFF - The Steelers routed the Browns 27-6 and outgained them 380-304.

steelers.com - Warren’s 143 rushing yards tied his career high. Watt’s 20.5 career sacks against Cleveland are the most by any player against the Browns in NFL history.

clevelandbrowns.com - Cleveland allowed a season-high 160 Pittsburgh rushing yards in the first half, eight sacks in the game, and was called for four holding penalties. The Browns scored on two of 12 possessions.

clevelandbrowns.com - Rodgers and Washington connected for a 58-yard gain early in the third quarter; Warren scored on the next play. Washington and Freiermuth combined for five catches and 129 yards.

steelers.com - Pittsburgh recorded 200 team rushing yards and held Cleveland to minus-1 yard of offense in the first quarter. The Steelers had shut out opponents in the second half for two consecutive games.

WHERE:

clevelandbrowns.com - The game was played at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.

clevelandbrowns.com - Cleveland’s next listed game was a road matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

WHY:

steelers.com - McCarthy said Pittsburgh focused on running the ball, improving, and preparing for a division game. He said, “We wanted to run the ball. It was a focal point today.”

steelers.com - Rodgers credited the offensive line for controlling the line of scrimmage and opening holes for Warren and Dowdle.

HOW:

clevelandbrowns.com - Cleveland fumbled on its first two drives. Pittsburgh used its rushing attack and long gains by Warren and Washington to set up scoring plays.

steelers.com - McCarthy chose to go for a touchdown from the goal line late in the first half rather than attempt a short field goal; Freiermuth scored on a one-yard run.

Pittsburgh beat Cleveland 27 to 6, claiming sole possession of the AFC North lead. Jaylen Warren rushed for 143 yards and a touchdown as Pittsburgh controlled the ground game. The Steelers recorded eight sacks, while Cleveland managed only two field goals and no second-half points.