Pittsburgh Eyes Control of AFC North, but Keeps Focus Short-Term
Aaron Rodgers has played in plenty of rivalries over his 21-year career, from epic Packers-Bears battles in the NFC North to this latest chapter in Pittsburgh. Now, leading the first-place Steelers (3-1), the four-time MVP prepares to host the Cleveland Browns (1-4) on Sunday, fully aware that “the hatred goes both ways.”
The Steelers’ dominance at home against Cleveland stretches back two decades. Since 2004, Pittsburgh has won every regular-season meeting with the Browns at Acrisure Stadium, except for Cleveland’s playoff shocker in 2020. Still, head coach Mike Tomlin insists the team isn’t resting on history—or momentum.
“I’m just worried about getting better,” Tomlin said this week. “At this stage, it’s about improvement week to week. Momentum is secondary.”
Steelers Winning, but Far From Perfect
Despite leading the AFC North, the Steelers have done so without firing on all cylinders. Rodgers has shown flashes of vintage form but continues to adjust to his new offense, while Pittsburgh’s defense, though opportunistic, has given up more big plays than usual.
Tomlin sees opportunity in imperfection: a team winning while still refining its identity. “That’s where growth happens,” he said, emphasizing consistency and discipline.
Cleveland, meanwhile, enters with a familiar story: strong defense, but a revolving door at quarterback. Rookie Dillon Gabriel will make just his second career start, replacing veteran Joe Flacco after last week’s 24-17 loss to Minnesota in London.
Browns Banking on Youth and Defense
Gabriel was steady, completing 19 of 33 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns, aided by rookie running back Quinshon Judkins’ 128 total yards. But Cleveland’s offensive struggles persist—the team hasn’t topped 17 points in 10 straight games.
“We’ve got to find ways to score and do it at a higher clip,” Gabriel said, acknowledging the challenge of facing one of the league’s most experienced defensive units. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski echoed that sentiment: “It’s the past that weighs on this rivalry, but that’s not Dillon’s to carry.”
The Browns’ defense, ranked second in the NFL, remains their strength. Edge rusher Myles Garrett, with 13 career sacks against Pittsburgh, will again anchor the unit. Garrett has sacked 46 quarterbacks in nine seasons and will look to add Rodgers to the list.
Rodgers vs. Garrett: The Key Matchup
Rodgers, who faced Garrett once before in 2021 while still with Green Bay, had nothing but respect for the All-Pro pass rusher. “He’s one of the few players you truly game-plan for,” Rodgers said. “Myles is a special talent—a game-wrecker.”
To contain Garrett, Steelers left tackle Broderick Jones will likely receive help from tight end Darnell Washington and lineman Spencer Anderson. “He’s a freak of nature,” Jones admitted. “You just try to keep a lid on him.”
With Pittsburgh seeking its first 4-1 start since 2020 and Cleveland desperate to salvage its season, Sunday’s matchup promises all the intensity of a classic AFC North showdown—one where history, rivalry, and momentum collide.
Keywords: Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Mike Tomlin, Myles Garrett, Dillon Gabriel, AFC North, NFL rivalry, Acrisure Stadium, football