CLEVELAND — When the Cleveland Browns defeated Pittsburgh earlier this month, their defensive front played a key role in the victory. With the teams preparing to meet again Sunday, Cleveland will look to generate the same pressure that produced five sacks and helped lead to two interceptions against Aaron Rodgers.
The Browns won the October 1 meeting, 27-24, overcoming an early deficit before holding off Pittsburgh's fourth-quarter comeback. Cleveland's defense recorded five sacks and 10 quarterback hits, repeatedly disrupting Rodgers' ability to operate comfortably in the pocket.
Defensive tackle Maliek Collins, defensive end Isaiah McGuire, and defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. were among those making big plays against Rodgers. McGuire's six-yard sack on third-and-four in the second quarter pushed Pittsburgh back and forced a 48-yard field goal attempt that Chris Boswell missed.
After a Deshaun Watson fumble gave Pittsburgh favorable field position, Hall sacked Rodgers on third-and-15, pushing the Steelers out of field goal range and preventing them from taking advantage of the turnover.
Cleveland's success wasn't simply a matter of its defensive line beating blockers. The Browns also used aggressive pressure packages and man coverage to challenge Pittsburgh's protection schemes, forcing Rodgers to make decisions with a lot of smoke happening in front of him.
Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged the difficulties Cleveland created following the first meeting, especially the Browns' use of five-man pressures and tight coverage. Pittsburgh had trouble consistently picking up the pressure, preventing Rodgers from having the time he needed to work through his progressions.
The pressure also complemented Cleveland's work in the secondary. Denzel Ward intercepted Rodgers early in the second quarter, setting up the Browns' first touchdown. Grant Delpit later intercepted Rodgers on Pittsburgh's final offensive play, preserving Cleveland's three-point victory.
The Steelers still moved the football effectively at times, finishing with 361 total yards. Rodgers threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns, while DK Metcalf caught five passes for 115 yards. Pittsburgh also scored twice in the fourth quarter to erase an eight-point deficit and tie the game with less than two minutes remaining.
Those performances illustrate why Cleveland will need another strong defensive effort Sunday. Pittsburgh has several receiving options capable of making plays, and running back Jaylen Warren is a beast, after rushing for 93 yards on 17 carries in the first meeting.
The Browns' defensive front can help address both areas. Winning individual matchups against Pittsburgh's offensive line can create pressure without requiring an additional rusher on every passing down. Against the run, controlling gaps and preventing Warren from reaching the second level would help keep the Steelers in longer-yardage situations.
Pittsburgh will also have had a month to study Cleveland's approach and adjust its protection schemes. The Browns should expect Rodgers and the Steelers to be better prepared for the pressure packages that created problems in the first meeting.
Cleveland enters Sunday's game at 5-2, matching Pittsburgh's record and carrying a chance to complete a season sweep of its division rival. A victory would give the Browns a valuable head-to-head advantage in the AFC North race.
The Browns' offense has shown encouraging development, particularly with its young playmakers becoming more involved. Their defensive front, however, remains one of the team's biggest strengths, and another productive afternoon against Rodgers would help Cleveland secure a second victory over Pittsburgh.
