The Pittsburgh Steelers are fresh off a bye week as they sit at 3-1 in the 2025 season. They will begin AFC North play on Sunday in Week 6, hosting the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium. After a strong start to the season, the Steelers are looking to carry their momentum into divisional play, where every game carries extra weight in the standings. With a home crowd behind them, Pittsburgh hopes to continue its early success and make a statement in the AFC North.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin during a preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, on Saturday August 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, FL.
The Browns enter the matchup with a 1-4 record but have shown flashes of potential despite their struggles. A major storyline for Cleveland is rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, who has quickly become one of the most dynamic players on the roster. Judkins faced legal troubles early in the offseason and a brief contract dispute, but by Week 3, he had established himself as the Browns’ most talented back. His ability to make explosive plays has put opposing defenses on notice, and the Steelers will need to be prepared for his speed, vision, and power.
Steelers Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin has already sent a strong warning to his unit ahead of the game. Understanding Judkins’ talent and the threat he poses, Austin emphasized the importance of discipline, gap integrity, and staying aggressive against the rookie. The Steelers’ defense will need to rise to the challenge if Pittsburgh wants to slow down Judkins and control the game on Sunday. How the unit responds to this powerful young back could be a defining factor in the early stages of AFC North play.
"If you're coming at him, you better put your big boy pads on, because if not, he's going to run right through you," Austin said.
Judkins has carried the ball 72 times for 347 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He has also made his presence felt in the Browns’ passing attack, catching nine passes for 62 receiving yards in just four games.
Jason Getz / The Atlanta Journal Constitution
Former Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins approaches quarterback Will Howard after a big play was made for the Buckeye offense.
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin is well aware of how dangerous Judkins could be.
"I can’t say enough about what I’m seeing from Judkins," Tomlin said, via the team’s website. "He had absolutely no training camp to speak of, and that really highlights what it is we’re looking at. Kudos to him and kudos to them for what he and they are able to produce. He is a tough runner. He’s good inside. He’s got good patience and picking vision on interior running. He finishes off his runs with violence. He’s underrated in terms of his ability to bounce it to the perimeter and pop long ones. He had a 60-yarder or so that got called back in London last week that kind of highlights that."
The Steelers' defense has struggled to stop the run and has allowed receiving backs to make plays against them. Opposing teams have taken advantage of gaps and mismatches, putting added pressure on the front seven.
Steelers' Defense Has To Slow Down Rookie RB
Despite the struggles, this Steelers defense is loaded with talent and comes with a high price tag. Playmakers like TJ Watt and Cam Heyward can change the course of a game with a single play, giving Pittsburgh a chance to turn things around.
Matt Freed / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Cam Heyward and TJ Watt run while getting warmed up for practice.
Being able to slow down Judkins would be a major boost for the Steelers in Week 6. Containing the rookie could help Pittsburgh control the game, set the tone defensively, and give the offense a better chance to secure a win at home.
Do you have faith in the Steelers' defense being able to shut down the rookie running back in Week 6? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.
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