PITTSBURGH, PA — The Pittsburgh Steelers may still be a work in progress, but their latest showing looked every bit like a team finding its stride. Behind a sharp outing from Aaron Rodgers and a dominant defensive performance, the Steelers muscled past the Cleveland Browns 23–9 on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium.
Rodgers threw for 235 yards and two touchdowns, calmly guiding an efficient offense that avoided the pressure of Cleveland’s ferocious pass rush. The 41-year-old quarterback was never sacked — a rare feat against Myles Garrett and company — as Pittsburgh took control early and never let go.
The win marked Pittsburgh’s 22nd straight regular-season home victory over Cleveland, and pushed them atop an injury-thinned AFC North that suddenly looks wide open.
“That’s where we want to be,” Rodgers said afterward. “We’ve put ourselves in the conversation — but there’s still a long way to go.”
Steel Curtain Restored
For the first time since opening week, Pittsburgh’s defense was back to full strength — and it showed. The Steelers racked up six sacks and hit Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel 16 times. Cleveland’s offense never reached the end zone as the Steelers turned a physical, low-scoring battle into a convincing win.
Inside linebacker Patrick Queen summed it up simply: “We just had to bow up — that’s AFC North football. Nothing is guaranteed.”
Rodgers Stays Clean, Offense Stays Steady
The Steelers didn’t need explosive plays to get it done. Rodgers methodically spread the ball among eight receivers, throwing a 12-yard touchdown to Connor Heyward in the third quarter and a 25-yard strike to DK Metcalf early in the fourth to seal the game.
The offensive line, led by rookie tackle Broderick Jones, neutralized Garrett all afternoon.
“Broderick was drafted for days like this,” tight end Pat Freiermuth said. “He stepped up big time.”
Cleveland’s Struggles Continue in Pittsburgh
Cleveland’s last regular-season win in Pittsburgh came back in 2003, and the drought continues. Gabriel — starting his second game since the trade of Joe Flacco — finished with 221 yards on 52 attempts, but the Browns managed just three field goals.
Running back Jay Ducker rushed for 97 yards and two scores, but the Browns’ defense couldn’t slow Rodgers when it mattered.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski stayed with Gabriel until the end, opting not to give rookie Shedeur Sanders his first NFL snaps.
“We know Dillon’s tough,” Stefanski said. “We’ve just got to help him more.”
Injury Report:
Browns: DE Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (hip), T Jack Conklin (concussion), and WR Gage Larvadain (head) all left the game and did not return.
Steelers: S Miles Killebrew (knee) and DB Darius Slay (shoulder) exited with injuries.
Up Next:
Browns: Host the Miami Dolphins next Sunday.
Steelers: Visit the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night.
