NFL2 hours ago1 minute read

Steelers Beat Browns 27-6 After Pregame Words

The Pittsburgh Steelers earned a 27-6 victory over the Cleveland Browns following a month of pregame chatter from defensive end Jared Verse.

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Steelers earn home win over rival Browns

The Pittsburgh Steelers took sole possession of first place in the AFC North with a 27-6 win over the Cleveland Browns. The victory marks Pittsburgh's 23rd straight regular season home win against Cleveland.

Pittsburgh controlled the line of scrimmage throughout the afternoon. The Steelers rushed for 200 yards while holding the Browns to just six points.

Words lead to tension on the field

The matchup carried extra tension following comments made by Browns defensive end Jared Verse. Verse began speaking out after Cleveland's 27-24 victory over Pittsburgh in Week 4. At that time, he called the Steelers offensive linemen dirty and said he could not wait to get his hands on them again.

Earlier in the week, Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward appeared on The Rich Eisen Show and noted that Verse's comments would be addressed. Verse responded the next day by saying he was not concerned about Heyward and planned to make Pittsburgh ours.

On Sunday, Verse finished with one tackle and one quarterback hit. Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker said Verse should have kept his mouth shut after talking so much and coming out with zero tackles. Verse said after the game that he stands by everything he says.

The game also saw physical moments between the two sides. Pittsburgh guard Mason McCormick swept the legs of a leaping Verse during a point after try and slammed him to the ground. Verse drew an unnecessary roughness penalty on McCormick and later expressed a lack of respect for the play. McCormick explained he felt somebody jump and was simply told to get a jumper's hands down.

Heyward downplayed the pregame chatter after the win. He said the team was simply motivated to get a victory before the bye week, adding that there were bigger fish to fry.

What it means for the next game

Cleveland Browns at New Orleans Saints (NFL, Sun, 08 Nov): New Orleans Saints win 52%, Cleveland Browns win 48%; projected score New Orleans Saints 23, Cleveland Browns 20. Our safest pick: Under 50.5 points.