Cleveland Browns Run Defense Falters in 27-6 Loss to Steelers
The Cleveland Browns struggled to contain the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on Nov. 1, 2026, in a team story by Kelsey Russo published Nov. 1, 2026. Cleveland lost 27-6 and allowed 200 net rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. Head coach Todd Monken said the team did not execute well enough and added that the loss left the Browns at 5-3. The team story framed the result as the product of early miscues and defensive lapses.
The Browns surrendered 117 net rushing yards in the first quarter, including a 51-yard run by Jaylen Warren. The Steelers finished with 14 rushing first downs and used schemed runs that Cleveland struggled to stop. Monken said Pittsburgh hit several schemed-up runs and that the Browns must improve their ability to move the front and pressure off the edges. The release also cited missed and broken tackles as a factor in Pittsburgh’s ground success.
Cleveland’s offense was hindered by turnovers and penalties early in the game, with fumbles on the Browns’ first two drives followed by a three-and-out on the third. The team recorded seven enforced penalties—three pre-snap, three post-snap and one taunting flag—and converted four of 13 third-down attempts. Deshaun Watson was sacked eight times for a total loss of 41 yards, and the Browns finished with 34 net rushing yards and 285 net passing yards. In the second half the offense punted three times and lost two fourth-quarter possessions on downs, further limiting scoring chances.
Special teams provided Cleveland’s only points when kicker Andre Szmyt converted a 32-yard and a 49-yard field goal in the second quarter. The team stated Szmyt is 16-for-18 on the season and has a streak of 25 consecutive made field goals dating to 2025, the third-longest in Browns history. His consistency remained a bright spot amid the other struggles.
Monken also criticized the team’s penalties and poise in postgame remarks, saying the Browns did not play well enough against a well-coached opponent. The club story included multiple game photos and noted that execution and discipline were central concerns following the loss. The result underscored challenges for Cleveland against divisional opponents when the team falls behind early.
NFL Sports Blog Take
The Browns’ loss in Pittsburgh highlighted two immediate priorities: shoring up the run defense against schemed runs and cleaning up offensive mistakes. Allowing 200 net rushing yards and 14 rushing first downs, including a 51-yard run, shows a need for improved gap control, edge containment and tackling fundamentals. Offensively, early fumbles, pre- and post-snap penalties and eight sacks disrupted rhythm and put Cleveland in catch-up situations. Special teams reliability from Szmyt is valuable, but the Browns must fix those fundamentals to compete in the division.