The Steelers never even needed to play it.

Jaylen Warren tied for the best rushing day of his career as the Steelers dominated the trenches in a 27-6 beat-down of the Browns to lift Pittsburgh to first place in the AFC North.

The Steelers dominated from the drop, with Warren rushing 17 times for 143 yards, including a 51-yard burst in the first quarter and a touchdown in the second quarter.

The home squad out-gained the visitors, 135 to -1, in the first quarter, as the Steelers moved up and down the field at will against the Cleveland defense that made headlines with their words, with defensive end Jared Verse calling the Steelers offensive line dirty.

The only thing that slowed the Steelers down in the early going was their own red zone offense, as they had to settle for a pair of early field goals

The Steelers didn’t punt in the first half, with the only drive that didn’t end in points being a Chris Boswell missed field goal.

Meanwhile, the Steelers defense was swarming. The Steelers sacked Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson in each of the first three drives on their way to eight sacks on the day, and the Steelers also forced two first quarter fumbles.

T.J. Watt had two sacks and a pass batted down. Cam Heyward and Patrick Queen each had 1.5 sacks, Nick Herbig and Kevin Jobity Jr. had one, and Alex Highsmith and Keeanu Benton had a half. Benton and Daylen Everette recovered fumbles.

The Pittsburgh run defense continued its recent run of dominance, as well, holding Quinshon Judkins to 25 yards on 11 carries.

For the Steelers, it wasn’t just Warren, as backup Rico Dowdle contributed 56 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown. Tight end Pat Freiermuth also scored on a 1-yard tush push.

The Pittsburgh passing game was less effective, with Aaron Rodgers throwing 25 times, completing 13 for 172 yards. Darnell Washington was his best receiver, catching three passes for 94 yards, including a long jaunt down the sideline that set up the Warren score.

The Steelers will enter their bye week alone in first place in the AFC North. They will return to action on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 10 on Sunday Night Football.