Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy announces the team will enjoy a full week of rest during their upcoming bye, a departure from the partial practice schedule under former coach Mike Tomlin. Riding a 6‑2 start and leading the AFC North, the Steelers just beat the Browns 27‑6. McCarthy says the extended break will help the squad stay healthy ahead of a tough three‑game stretch in November, with two road games and a post‑Thanksgiving Friday home matchup. He emphasizes staying focused on winning and self‑improvement.
The Steelers vaulted to sole ownership of the AFC North after a 27-6 rout of the Browns, improving to 6-2 and heading into their bye week. Running back Jaylen Warren shined with 157 rushing yards, while the defense recorded eight sacks on Deshaun Watson. National power‑rankings place Pittsburgh between No. 8 and No. 13 this week, with CBS Sports giving them a top‑10 spot for the first time. Analysts note the need for a new wide receiver and cornerback, but a favorable schedule could keep a 12‑win season within reach.
James Harrison credits defensive coordinator Patrick Graham for sparking a dramatic Steelers turnaround, drawing a parallel to Hall of Famer Dick LeBeau’s impact years ago. After a rough Week 4 loss to the Browns, Graham’s adjustments have re‑energized a talent‑rich unit, leading to a surge in pressure and turnovers that could reshape Pittsburgh’s season. Harrison highlights the similarity in philosophy that’s reviving the defense and points to upcoming matchups as tests of this new momentum.
Nine years after breaking his collarbone, Aaron Rodgers admits the injury still affects his play. In a CBS Sports sideline interview during the Steelers' 24-17 victory over the Browns on Nov. 3, 2026, Rodgers says he’s never been the same, despite feeling physically healthy. The revelation comes amid Pittsburgh’s latest win, highlighting how past injuries can linger for elite quarterbacks.
In a November 3, 2026 Steelers Now piece, writer Ed Thompson argues that the Pittsburgh Steelers have finally forged a true identity—not a single X‑and‑O scheme, but a gritty, bully mentality that fuels both sides of the ball. Riding a four‑game winning streak, the team’s physical edge rush and aggressive ground game have overwhelmed opponents like the Cleveland Browns, with standout moments from Mason McCormick, Troy Fautanu, and a dominant defensive line anchored by Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and head coach Mike McCarthy, traditionally pass‑heavy, have embraced a run‑focused approach organically, hinting at further growth as the Steelers continue to dominate with an all‑team, hard‑nosed identity.
After the Steelers’ 27-6 loss to the Browns in Week 8, offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio insists the team still trusts No. 1 receiver DK Metcalf despite his rough outing. Angelichio told reporters on Monday that the Steelers haven’t “lost confidence” in Metcalf, emphasizing his continued role in the offense despite the media’s criticism.
The Steelers’ defense surges under new coordinator Patrick Graham, earning him the No. 2 spot among the NFL’s best new coordinators at midseason. Graham’s zone‑heavy scheme helps Pittsburgh rank No. 3 in scoring defense (18.0 PPG), No. 6 in total yards, No. 3 against the run, and No. 2 in red‑zone defense, while the unit leads the league with 26 sacks. T.J. Watt rebounds with 7.5 sacks in eight games, tying for the league lead. After a 27-6 win over Cleveland that dropped the Browns to 5-3, the Steelers improve to 6‑2 and sit alone atop the AFC North, reviving their playoff hopes.
The Pittsburgh Steelers improve to 6-2 after a dominant 27-6 victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 8, seizing the AFC North lead. ESPN analyst Ben Solak argues the Steelers are a genuine postseason contender, citing their stout defense, balanced offense, and momentum heading into the final stretch. Solak highlights key players like T.J. Watt and Kenny Pickett, and warns rivals that Pittsburgh will be a "tricky" playoff opponent. The article details the factors behind the Steelers’ ascent and what it means for the rest of the season.
Colin Cowherd declares Steelers wideout DK Metcalf "washed" after a costly drop that turned a deep Aaron Rodgers pass into an interception during the 27-6 win over the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 25, 2026. The drop, Metcalf's fourth‑quarter miscue, left him with just one catch on six targets for four yards, reigniting criticism of his $132 million, four‑year contract. Former teammate Antonio Brown and ex‑coach Todd Haley have also lambasted Metcals's hand issues and limited route tree. Cowherd urges GM Omar Khan to cut ties before the cap hit triples next season.
Former NFL scout John Middlekauff praises Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, calling his work "phenomenal" and noting his résumé matches those of Tomlin, Harbaugh and Payton despite a lower PR profile. After a dominant 27-6 win over Cleveland on Nov. 1, McCarthy’s career record sits at .611, comparable to his peers, and he highlights improvements in run defense and overall team play. The scout even jokes McCarthy’s love of hamburgers may be why he’s underrated, but the results on the field speak for themselves.
After a dominant Week 8 victory over the Cleveland Browns, the Pittsburgh Steelers surge to the top of the AFC North and secure a Week 9 bye under head coach Mike McCarthy. The win marks their fourth straight triumph, propelling them to the summit of the latest power rankings. The article breaks down the Steelers' position in the Week 9 rankings, key factors behind the beatdown, and what the bye means for their playoff push.
The NFC South remains a mess as all four teams struggle to find a winning groove. Tampa Bay finally breaks its 1‑5 slump with a 16‑0 shutout of Atlanta, relying on a 300‑yard ground game and four interceptions of Michael Penix Jr. The Panthers fall 27‑19 to Green Bay, exposing Bryce Young to relentless pressure and leading to defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s dismissal. New Orleans sits on a bye, hoping to recover from injury‑marred play before facing Cleveland. Atlanta’s 0‑16 loss to Tampa Bay highlights a porous offensive line and a defense that surrendered 324 rushing yards. With each team below .500, the division title looks set for a chaotic photo finish.
The Steelers sit atop the AFC North after a dominant win over Cleveland and head into a crucial Sunday Night Football clash with the Bengals. New head coach Mike McCarthy inherits a team that’s won eight straight games out of the bye under Tomlin, and a victory could lock Pittsburgh into the division lead and a shot at an 8‑2 finish. The article also notes interest in WR Garrett Wilson, a strong defensive line showing, and upcoming matchups against the Eagles.
Cleveland's success is getting in the way of the NFL's trade deadline.
The Los Angeles Rams are eyeing a swift return for DE Myles Garrett, who begins his 21‑day practice window this week after surgery. Coach Sean McVay hopes the veteran can help the team snap a .500 streak and bolster a tough second‑half schedule that includes the Packers, 49ers, Cowboys, Seahawks and Buccaneers. A healthy Garrett could impact the Rams' late‑season push and, in turn, affect Cleveland Browns’ draft positioning for 2027, tying the Rams’ injury news to the Browns’ playoff and draft outlook.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Patrick Graham earns a spot as the league's second‑best new coordinator, according to CBS Sports' Garrett Podell. Under Graham, the Steelers rank No. 3 in scoring defense (18.0 points allowed), No. 6 in total yards (305.6), No. 3 in run defense (83.9 yards), No. 8 on third‑down (34.3% conversion), No. 2 in red‑zone defense (37.5% conversion) and tie for No. 3 in takeaways (13). His unit leads the NFL with 26 sacks, matching T.J. Watt’s resurgence (7.5 sacks in eight games). A Week 4 loss to the Browns sparked a turnaround, and the defense has allowed just one second‑half touchdown this season.
In Week 8, the Steelers proved 6‑2 teams aren’t all the same by crushing the Browns 27‑6, but national analysts keep doubting their ceiling. The Ringer’s Sheil Kapadia placed Pittsburgh in a lower tier, prompting former Steelers beat‑writer Ian Pelissero to push back, arguing the Steelers have depth and talent beyond the skeptics’ labels.
The Steelers dominate the Browns 27-6, leveling the season series, and the article breaks down the win with Pro Football Focus grades and snap‑count data. Pittsburgh’s offense shines, highlighted by TE Darnell Washington’s 91.8 grade, while the defense’s top performers and key play counts are also detailed. Readers get a clear picture of which players excelled, how the teams matched up statistically, and the takeaways that explain the Steelers’ comfortable victory.
In Week 8 of the NFC South, Tampa Bay finally snapped its slump, shutting out Atlanta 16‑0 in a rain‑soaked showdown. Baker Mayfield went 0‑3 with zero passing yards, while Bucky Irving exploded for 170 yards and a TD, and Kenneth Gainwell added 140 yards, giving the Buccaneers a two‑game winning streak before they face the Chicago Bears. The Carolina Panthers, reeling after firing their defensive coordinator, lost ground in the division race despite Bryce Young’s solid play and a strong run defense, and now must halt a slide against Denver. Atlanta’s offense sputtered, with Michael Penix throwing four interceptions in a 8‑24 passing night, leaving them vulnerable ahead of a matchup with the 5‑2 Bengals. The New Orleans Saints sit on a bye, gearing up for a rematch with Cleveland.
The Steelers Depot breaks down the Steelers' 200‑yard rushing showcase that powered Pittsburgh to a victory over Cleveland on Sunday. The article highlights how the offense tweaked its run game with quick trap plays, exploiting the Browns' aggressive front line, and walks through key moments from the win.
The Cleveland Browns fall 27-6 to the Pittsburgh Steelers after Deshaun Watson endures eight sacks, a 41-yard loss. Rookie offensive tackle Spencer Fano, the ninth overall pick in the 2026 draft, admits his performance was subpar, saying he “needs to play a whole lot better.” After a strong showing against the Titans in Week 7, Fano hopes to rebound when the Browns face the New Orleans Saints in Week 9 at the Caesars Superdome. The loss highlights ongoing protection issues for Watson and a key area for improvement.
T.J. Watt cements his dominance over Cleveland, recording his 20.5th sack in Week 8 to become the NFL’s all‑time sack leader against the Browns, overtaking Terrell Suggs’ 19. The Steelers also trounced the Browns on Sunday, extending their home‑field edge. With the Bengals now looming as the next opponent, Watt’s relentless pass‑rush adds a fresh storyline heading into the late season showdown.
After a 27-6 drubbing by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Browns head coach Todd Monken pledged immediate improvement in his post‑game press conference. He acknowledged the team’s poor performance—zero offensive touchdowns, a 4/13 third‑down conversion rate and eight sacks on quarterback Deshaun Watson—while emphasizing the young squad’s need to learn and rebound. The Steelers, now 6-2 and atop the AFC North, rode Jaylen Warren’s 143‑yard, one‑score rush and 200 team rushing yards. Cleveland, sitting at 5-2, still eyes the division title as it prepares for a Week 9 clash with the New Orleans Saints.
The New Orleans Saints may see three injured players—wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, running back Travis Etienne Jr., and offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.—re‑evaluated by the medical staff on Monday, with a possible return to practice on Wednesday. Coach Kellen Moore says their status hinges on additional work in the training room. Tyson could be back as early as the upcoming game against the Cleveland Browns, while Etienne’s return is critical for reviving a struggling run game after the firing of coordinator T.J. Paganetti. Banks’ comeback would stabilize an offensive line plagued by penalties. The week’s assessments will determine if any of them can safely return for the stretch run.
The Cleveland Browns have placed running back Audric Estime on waivers just two weeks after his Week 6 touchdown run helped beat the Baltimore Ravens. With injuries shaping the RB corps, Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin split 19 carries in that win, but the team now has an open roster spot that could be filled by a trade, a practice‑squad promotion, or another lower‑level signing as the NFL trade deadline approaches.