Steelers Top Browns to Take AFC North Lead

The Pittsburgh Steelers moved to 6-2 and took sole possession of first place in the AFC North with a 27-6 win over the Cleveland Browns on November 1. Cleveland fell to 5-3, a month after beating Pittsburgh 27-24 in their first meeting this season.

Jaylen Warren led Pittsburgh with 143 rushing yards and a touchdown on 17 carries, matching his career high on his 28th birthday. It was his second straight game with at least 100 rushing yards and his fourth this season. The Steelers ran for 200 yards overall, including 160 in the first half.

Rico Dowdle scored on a 9-yard run in the first quarter, and Pat Freiermuth added a 1-yard touchdown late in the first half. Early in the third quarter, a 58-yard catch by Darnell Washington set up Warren’s short scoring run, putting Pittsburgh ahead by three touchdowns.

Pittsburgh’s defense sacked Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson eight times. Watson threw for 324 yards, while Aaron Rodgers passed for 172 yards and threw an interception. The Steelers have now beaten Cleveland in 23 consecutive regular-season games at home, tying the NFL record for consecutive home wins against one opponent.

Steelers coach Mike McCarthy praised Warren’s recent play, saying, “You can't get him the ball enough.” Pittsburgh heads into its bye week before visiting Cincinnati on November 15. Cleveland is scheduled to visit New Orleans next Sunday.