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3 Things We Learned From Steelers' 27-6 Win vs. Browns in Week 8
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- 3 Things We Learned From Steelers' 27-6 Win vs. Browns in Week 8
The Pittsburgh Steelers walked off the field at Acrisure Stadium at 6-2 following a 27-6 victory over their division rivals . The Cleveland Browns were not ready for a Steelers team that had a full week of preparation. In Week 4, Pittsburgh had to go to Cleveland on a short week, and it made a big difference.
With eight games under their belt, the Steelers learned some things from this dominant victory over Cleveland. There are a lot of good takeaways, but also some concerns. Here are three things we learned after the Steelers' win over the Browns in Week 8:
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This Steelers Run Game Is for Real
Nov 1, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) recact after tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) scored a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL game against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
In case you were wondering what this team's identity is, it's the ground game. The Steelers hired Mike McCarthy to rejuvenate the passing game, but his staff has made this run game better than ever.
The Steelers ran all over the Browns in Week 8 to the tune of 200 yards. Jaylen Warren tied his career high with 143 rushing yards. Against a tough Cleveland defense, the performance proved this run game is for real.
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This Passing Offense Misses Roman Wilson
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (14) runs for a touchdown in the first quarter of the NFL Week 3 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa.
The Steelers are feeling Wilson's absence . His speed and ability to beat man coverage mattered more than many realized. Here is how big the difference has been:
Weeks 3-4 (with Wilson)
13th in dropback EPA (0.186)
12th in dropback success rate (50.0%)
Weeks 5-7 (without Wilson)
25th in dropback EPA (-0.028)
28th in dropback success rate (39.4%)
He may not be the Steelers' WR1, but the receiver room is hurting without him. He is eligible to return in Week 11, and the Steelers will need him once he is healthy.
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T.J. Watt Has Still Got It
Nov 1, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) sacks Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during the second quarter of an NFL game at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn ImagesCharles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Many on social media called the former Defensive Player of the Year "washed." Watt, though, is on pace to top his sack total from either of the last two seasons. On Sunday, he had a massive performance against the team he has had the most success against in his career.
There's no doubt Watt isn't quite the same player he was in 2021, when he won the award. One thing has stayed the same since then: He is just as important to this defense today as he was then.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
