Jaylen Warren turned Acrisure Stadium into his own running lane Sunday, blasting through Cleveland for 143 rushing yards and a touchdown as the Steelers pulled away for a 27-6 AFC North win. Both rivals entered at 5-2 and riding two-game winning streaks, but Pittsburgh showed that its ground game and fierce pass rush can take control of a big division game.

Cleveland’s day became difficult early. After quarterback Deshaun Watson briefly left the opening drive, Shedeur Sanders entered for two plays. Watson returned, but the Steelers quickly attacked. Cornerback Daylen Everette forced a fumble by tight end Harold Fannin Jr., giving Pittsburgh the ball at the Cleveland 42. The Steelers could not turn that chance into points when Chris Boswell missed from 57 yards, but linebacker Patrick Queen soon forced Watson to fumble. Defensive tackle Keeanu Benton recovered, and Pittsburgh had another short field.

This time, the Steelers made it count. Rico Dowdle ripped runs of 15 and 9 yards before scoring from 9 yards out for a 7-0 lead. Then Warren broke the game open in a different way. He burst up the middle for 51 yards, a roaring run that flipped the field and showed Cleveland how hard he would be to stop.

Pittsburgh settled for Boswell’s short field goal to lead 10-0, but Cleveland answered with its best drive. Fannin caught four passes, including a 25-yard grab, to carry the Browns deep into Steelers territory. Kicker Andre Szmyt made a 32-yard field goal, cutting the score to 10-3. Later, Watson found Fannin again for a 24-yard gain and moved Cleveland close enough for Szmyt’s 49-yard kick. With 45 seconds left in the half, the Browns were within 13-6.

Then Rodgers and the Steelers delivered the drive that changed the game. Warren ran 23 yards across midfield, and Rodgers hit Pat Freiermuth for 28 yards. Rodgers then found Germie Bernard at the 1-yard line with six seconds left. Freiermuth took a direct snap and powered in as time expired, sending Pittsburgh to halftime ahead 20-6.

Cleveland still had a chance after halftime, but Pittsburgh slammed the door. Tight end Darnell Washington caught a 58-yard pass to the Cleveland 1, setting up Warren’s touchdown and a 27-6 lead. Washington finished with 94 receiving yards, giving Rodgers a giant target while Cleveland held DK Metcalf to one catch.

The Browns moved the ball through the air late, as Fannin finished with 10 catches for 154 yards. Yet Pittsburgh stopped Cleveland on all three trips inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. Watt had two sacks, while Queen and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward helped lead an eight-sack wall that never let Watson find the end zone.

Pittsburgh rose to 6-2 and now heads to face Cincinnati with its tough identity growing stronger. Cleveland fell to 5-3 and will host New Orleans, still searching for the finishing power that can turn long drives into points.

Jaylen Warren Powers Pittsburgh Past Cleveland in AFC North Clash