The Cleveland Browns arrived at Acrisure Stadium with an opportunity to take control of the AFC North. Instead, they were physically dominated by their biggest rival in a 27-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

Cleveland’s offensive line surrendered eight sacks, its defense allowed 200 rushing yards, and Deshaun Watson spent much of the afternoon fighting to stay upright.

The defeat dropped the Browns to 5-3 while Pittsburgh improved to 6-2, taking sole possession of first place in the division.

It was an especially ugly afternoon for a Cleveland offense that had repeatedly found ways to win close games this season.

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Watson completed 27 of 39 passes for 324 yards without a touchdown or interception. However, the passing numbers disguised an offense that couldn’t consistently sustain drives or capitalize on scoring opportunities.

The Browns were held to just 34 rushing yards and failed to reach the end zone for the first time this season.

Pittsburgh established its dominance early behind running back Jaylen Warren, who rushed for 143 yards on 17 carries and scored twice.

Rico Dowdle added 56 yards and a touchdown, helping the Steelers build a 20-6 halftime advantage.

Cleveland’s defensive front, which had been a strength during the team’s 5-2 start, couldn’t consistently stop Pittsburgh’s ground attack. The Steelers piled up 160 rushing yards before halftime.

The Browns also struggled with ball security, fumbling on their first two possessions.

Watson briefly left the game during the opening drive after absorbing a high hit from Steelers defensive back Jaquan Brisker, who was penalized for roughing the passer.

Backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders entered while Watson underwent evaluation, completing two passes for two yards before the starter returned.

The brief quarterback change wasn’t the reason Cleveland lost. Pittsburgh simply controlled the line of scrimmage.

Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt recorded two sacks, while Patrick Queen added 1.5 sacks and 10 tackles.

Cleveland’s biggest offensive bright spot was rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr., who caught 10 passes for 154 yards.

Cornerback Denzel Ward also intercepted Aaron Rodgers, but neither performance could overcome Cleveland’s offensive struggles.

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Rodgers finished with 172 passing yards, while a 58-yard completion to Darnell Washington set up Warren’s second touchdown early in the third quarter.

That score extended Pittsburgh’s lead to 27-6 and effectively ended any realistic comeback hopes.

The Browns will look to regroup when they visit the New Orleans Saints next Sunday.

But Sunday’s loss exposed two serious problems: an offensive line that couldn’t protect its quarterback and a defense that couldn’t stop Pittsburgh’s rushing attack.

For a team hoping to challenge for the AFC North championship, those are problems that must be addressed immediately.