Browns faced Steelers for AFC North lead. What were our instant thoughts?

PITTSBURGH ― There's always next year. When the Browns go to Pittsburgh, there's always next year.The Steelers did what the Steelers always do when the Browns make their annual regular-season appearance at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers. They absolutely dominated Cleveland in a 27-6 victory to give them first place to themselves.The Browns were embarrassed in a way they hadn't been since losing by 24 in the season opener at the Jacksonville Jaguars. They're still 5-3 heading to play at the New Orleans Saints, but this one will leave a bit of a mark.Subscribe to Browns Insider newsletterSo how do we sum up the dismal day in Pittsburgh for the Browns? Here's our instant takeaways from the moment the clock hit all zeros.Steelers run all over Browns' leaky run defenseThere's no denying it anymore by the Browns. Their run defense is, to be kind, terrible.Pittsburgh had 160 rushing yards by halftime, at which point it led 20-6. The Steelers had all of those rushing yards on just 18 carries, giving them an 8.9 yards per carry average.Jaylen Warren was already at 102 yards on just 10 first-half carries. He finished with 143 yards on 17 carries.Pittsburgh netted 92 rushing yards in the first meeting. However, Warren did have 93 net yards on his own in that game.This performance comes on the heels of what the Browns did, or didn't do, against the Tennessee Titans a week earlier. They allowed 141 net yards, including 129 by Tony Pollard.It's just not acceptable for any defense that wants to be one of the best in the league. That's what the Brows aspire to be.Browns have another slow offensive startThe Browns were once again an offensive no-show in the first quarter. Yes, Deshaun Watson was knocked out of the first drive, but it was still an ugly product even when he was on the field.It certainly didn't help the Browns fumbled on each of the first two possessions. However, they had minus-1 net yard on 10 plays in the first quarter.The Browns' only saving grace was that Pittsburgh missed a field goal and had to settle for another during that time. Otherwise, the misery could've started even earlier.As it was, the Browns never could consiently get their offense going. They had just 113 total yards at halftime, and were at 276 total yards at the two-minute warning.Harold Fannin Jr. was a bright spot for Cleveland BrownsWant a bright spot for the Browns? Try tight end Harold Fannin Jr.You had questions about Fannin not getting the ball? Try 12 targets for 10 receptions and a career-high 154 yards receiving yards.Other than that, there's nothing else really to say positively. Well, Denzel Ward had another interception.Deshaun Watson couldn't escape pressure from PittsburghWatson was already the most-sacked quarterback in the league. He added eight more to that total against the Steelers.Watson's been sacked 33 times through eight games. In his three games in Pittsburgh as the Browns starter, he's been sacked 21 combined times.Buy Cleveland Browns ticketsChris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ. Sign up for Browns Insider newsletter at https://profile.beaconjournal.com/newsletters/browns-insider/This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns faced Steelers for AFC North lead. What were our instant thoughts?Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.