Steelers' Arthur Smith Given Clear Warning Prior To Matchup With Browns In Week 6

The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to get the job done on the offensive side of the ball against the Minnesota Vikings in Ireland in Week 4. Aaron Rodgers was credited with 200 yards through the air along with a touchdown and looked much more like the version of himself that fans saw in Week 1 against the New York Jets. Pittsburgh finds itself on the bye during Week 5, but the offense will almost certainly have its hands full against an elite Cleveland Browns defensive unit in Week 6.

The Browns' defensive line has been playing at a very high level to begin the 2025 season. The unit as a whole currently has 14 sacks on the year and the Steelers' offensive line will be tasked with a crucial role in protecting Rodgers. 

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo recently shared his thoughts on Pittsburgh's matchup with Cleveland, and the reporter revealed just how tough of a matchup the Browns' defense could be. He claimed that Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith will need to get creative with his play-calling.

"From week to week in the NFL, it's all about matchups." Fittipaldo stated. "It's going to be really interesting to see what Smith comes up with against the Browns. They are so well rounded on defense."

Fittipaldo continued to talk about how tough of a matchup it will be for Rodgers and the Steelers' offense.

"I don't know that there's a weakness you can pick out and say 'hey, we are going to attack them this way.' That's a tough matchup for the Steelers' offense."

The Steelers' offensive line will play a crucial role in the team's overall success in Week 6. Led by Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu, the offensive line will need to keep Rodgers on his feet as long as possible and limit the amount of hits that the veteran quarterback takes to an absolute minimum. Myles Garrett will almost certainly be a major threat on the Browns' defensive line, and the Steelers will need to establish their offensive game plan early on.

Rodgers will need to get settled in the passing game as quick as possible. The Steelers could be shorthanded against the Browns after Calvin Austin lll was injured in Ireland, and the team will turn to multiple veteran receivers to step up if Austin remains out. DK Metcalf is expected to step up again and will look to replicate his 126-yard day from his performance overseas.

Steelers' Run Game Against Cleveland Will Be A Major Key To Victory

Pittsburgh will need to establish its run game as soon as possible against the Browns. Cleveland had the top run defense in all of football entering Week 5 and will have its hands full in stopping Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell consistently. Warren was unable to play against the Vikings last Sunday, but the talented running back could be an instant difference-maker if he proves to be fully healthy for Week 6.

Gainwell had a career game in Ireland. The promising running back was credited with 99 yards on the ground and two touchdowns, as Gainwell was able to thrive in his first game starting as Warren's replacement. Both Gainwell and Warren could be major difference-makers against an elite Browns' defense as the offensive unit as a whole will look to thrive.

Fittipaldo's comments should not come as a surprise to many. The Browns have one of the better defensive units in all of football and Pittsburgh will need to establish its offensive game plan early on. The Steelers will face the Browns next Sunday as Smith and the rest of the Steelers' offense will look to perform at a high level.

Do you think the Steelers will be able to establish their run game early on against the Browns? Let us know in the comments below!

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