In four games, Pittsburgh’s defense has been a vital asset to its offense getting extra possessions. The Steelers own the second-best turnover differential and have the second-most turnovers in the NFL, recovering five fumbles and intercepting five passes.
Players like CB Jalen Ramsey and LB Nick Herbig on the Steelers’ defense have been efficient in forcing takeaways. With all three of Pittsburgh’s wins coming in one-possession games, getting takeaways like the two the team had against Minnesota in a 24-21 win in Week 4 have come in handy.
In Gabriel’s first NFL start, the Browns didn’t fumble the ball or throw an interception for the first time in the 2025 season. Gabriel managed to throw the ball to safe routes and when there was tight coverage, he threw the ball away rather than forcing the pass.
While Gabriel will look to improve upon his 19 for 33 passing clip, keeping the same approach of making the smart play is crucial against a Pittsburgh team that has a knack to force teams into turnovers.
“He has got that confidence to him, so definitely with the other position groups, you can feel that from him, feel him kind of stepping into his own and being comfortable doing so,” Rees said. “Look, when you’re a quarterback like that, you’ve done that your whole life, that’s just what’s natural for you.”
On the other side of the ball for Cleveland, the defense has forced takeaways for three consecutive weeks. Cleveland intercepted passes from Green Bay and Detroit in Week 3 and 4 before forcing two fumbles against the Vikings in Week 5.
Pittsburgh has protected the ball well, only giving away the ball three times on interceptions from Rodgers. In his 21st NFL season, Rodgers is only four seasons removed from his fourth MVP award. While he isn’t throwing the ball at the same rate he did in 2021, he still impacts the game.
Rodgers is throwing for 196.5 yards per game this season, 51.7 less yards per game compared to his first five weeks into the 2021 season. However, Rodgers has been able to guide the Steelers to the three one-possession wins through his game management. His quick throw capability and ability to lead pass catchers create a safer, yet potentially just as explosive play as showcased by Metcalf. Explosive play or not, the quick, short passes move the ball past the first down marker and keep drives alive.
“(Aaron Rodgers) is commanding the offense efficiently, getting out smoothly and quickly,” Garrett said. “Not allowing any penalties, nothing post-snap, nothing pre-snap, and just slowly marching their way downfield, taking up time of possession, and just getting it out to their playmakers.”