The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season. Pittsburgh is coming off of its bye week and is entering the game with a 3-1 record, while the Browns are currently at the bottom of the AFC North with a record of 1-4. This is a big game for the Steelers as it can further the team's lead in the division, and a lot of fans are nervous as it feels like Pittsburgh drops one of these winnable games every year. The Black and Gold need to come away with a win to show the fan base that this team is different.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin stands on the sideline in a snow storm against the Cleveland Browns during the 2024 NFL season.
The Browns look different than they did to begin the season. Joe Flacco is no longer on the team, and the franchise has turned to rookie Dillon Gabriel to be the organization's starting quarterback. They selected Gabriel in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and he has been in the headlines a ton due to him getting the chance to start before Shedeur Sanders. Gabriel played well in his first start against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5, despite the fact his team lost the game. Team insider Ashley Bastock has a major concern for Gabriel going up against Pittsburgh however, which she revealed on a recent episode of Chipped Ham & Football.
"The batted passes with the Steelers' line is the number one thing I'm worried about," Bastock said. "Mainly because, in training camp, I watched Shelby Harris, who has a knack for batting down balls, both at the line and obviously, he just blocked a big field goal against the Packers a couple weeks ago, so l've seen Dillon get passes batted down. I definitely think there is a potential for things to get ugly. Especially because the Browns still have left tackle issues. We don't know what they're going to do on that side of the line yet this week."
Gabriel had a decent debut against the Vikings as he completed 19 of his 33 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns, however he seemed to struggle some when pressure got to him. That is something that Pittsburgh can apply, and that can lead to some balls getting tipped at the line of scrimmage.
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Steelers superstar pass rusher TJ Watt talks with longtime defensive leader Cam Heyward during training camp.
Pittsburgh's entire defensive line keeps active hands and is always trying to have a presence in the passing lanes. Pass breakups have been a staple for both TJ Watt and Cam Heyward. The play doesn't have to be some disastrous moment for Gabriel in order for a ball to get tipped, it can happen on a simple drop back due to his stature and the abilities of the defense he will be going against. Gabriel is under six feet tall, so Pittsburgh should certainly be able to effect the passing lanes.
An ideal situation for the Steelers' defense would be exactly what happened against Minnesota back in Week 4. Derrick Harmon was able to get a couple fingers on a football as it was crossing the line of scrimmage to alter the flight of the ball. DeShon Elliott wound up being able to pick that pass off, which was a huge play in the game.
Kennedy Rodriguez / Cleveland Browns
Browns QB Dillon Gabriel drops back to throw the football during a game against the Vikings in the 2025 NFL season.
Steelers Could Make Sunday A Long Day For Dillon Gabriel
This is a huge game for Pittsburgh regardless of the Browns' record. The defense needs to show up and make life difficult for Gabriel, and the unit can do this by keeping him in the pocket and applying pressure. Bastock is worried things could get ugly for Cleveland due to its banged up offensive line, and hopefully that is what happens as Pittsburgh needs to stack good defensive performances.
What do you think of Pittsburgh going against Gabriel? Let us know in the comments below!
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