Steelers' Running Backs Ignite Offense to Win Over Browns

The Pittsburgh Steelers improved to 6-2 on the season with a dominant 27-6 victory over the Cleveland Browns. 

It was the run game that led the way for the Steelers, as Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle had great performances. Warren rushed for 143 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries, while Rico Dowdle had 56 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

The passing game wasn't the strength for Pittsburgh in their win. Aaron Rodgers completed 13 of 25 passes for 172 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception. Rodgers did connect with tight end Darnell Washington three times for 94 yards, but no other receiver had more than 35 yards.

On defense, the Steelers' pass rush got constant pressure on Deshaun Watson, as they recorded eight sacks and seven tackles for loss. T.J. Watt had two sacks, Patrick Queen had 1.5 sacks, Cameron Heyward had 1.5 sacks, Nick Herbig had a sack, Kevin Jobity Jr. had a sack, and Keeanu Benton and Alex Highsmith each had a half sack.

They also stifled Cleveland's run game, as they rushed for 34 yards on 15 carries (2.3 yards per carry). Their passing attack was stronger, as Watson completed 27 of 39 passes for 324 yards, but he did not find the end zone.

It was a much-needed win for the Steelers over the Browns as they now take the lead in the AFC North. Pittsburgh is proving to be one of the best teams in the league in head coach Mike McCarthy's first year as their head coach. 

They could make some noise in the postseason, with veteran Rodgers leading the offense. Rodgers didn't have his best performance against Cleveland, but this season, he's played well. The 42-year-old has completed 60.8 percent of his passes for 1,871 yards, 13 touchdowns, and six interceptions.

The Steelers' defense is coming alive, and their run game is proving to be formidable with the talented backs of Warren and Dowdle. The passing attack should get better once wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson return from injury.

Pittsburgh could be active in making a trade at the deadline to improve the roster and give themselves a better chance of competing for a Super Bowl this season. The Steelers will also be fighting for the top seed in the AFC along with the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills.

Pittsburgh now heads into their bye week, with their next matchup coming up against another division rival, the Cincinnati Bengals. If the Steelers can keep stacking up wins in the division, it gives them a great shot at fighting for the top seed in the AFC and a bye week in the playoffs.