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Top Initial Steelers Grades After Week 8 Win vs. Browns
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- Top Initial Steelers Grades After Week 8 Win vs. Browns
The Pittsburgh Steelers crushed the Cleveland Browns 27-6 in a grudge match at Acrisure Stadium . Pittsburgh avenged its Week 4 loss by toppling Cleveland in a game that was even more lopsided than the score indicates. If not for a few plays, the margin of victory could have been much wider.
Several Steelers delivered big performances in the dominant win. Pro Football Focus released its initial grades directly after the game, and several Steelers graded out well in Week 8.
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Here are the top initial grades from Pittsburgh's Week 8 win:
Daylen Everette (99.6)
Oct 18, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Daylen Everette (23) celebrates an interception during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Everette didn't play many snaps, but he earned a near-perfect grade. Much of that came from his fumble recovery on the Browns' first drive. The rookie has played well this season.
In Week 8, Everette recorded a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a run stuff , and he allowed just 2 yards in coverage.
Darnell Washington (92.9)
Nov 1, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) receives a pass during the second quarter of an NFL game as Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) defends at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Washington made several monster plays during the afternoon. He reminded the NFL that the excellent blocking tight end is also a massive target for his quarterback.
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Washington finished the day with three receptions for 94 yards . His biggest play was a 58-yard catch-and-run.
Alex Highsmith (82.8)
Nov 1, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) tackle Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during the first quarter of an NFL game at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Highsmith dominated the Browns' rookie left tackle and had a big game for Pittsburgh. He applied pressure all afternoon, and the pass rush never let up.
Highsmith recorded five pressures, one sack and two run stuffs . It was his first game with a sack since Week 2.
Cam Heyward (80.8)
Nov 1, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) sack Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The ageless wonder had a huge day and looked 27 instead of 37. He keeps making plays that show he still has some juice and remains a savvy veteran.
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Heyward produced five pressures, two sacks and three run stuffs against Cleveland .
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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.
