Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Singles Out Dangerous Bengals Defensive Weapon Dexter Lawrence

The Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty to consider before their divisional showdown, but Aaron Rodgers knows one defender demands attention on every snap. Dexter Lawrence gives the Cincinnati Bengals an interior presence capable of disrupting both the running game and the passing attack. For Rodgers, preparing for that challenge starts with recognizing how much one player can change an offense's night. His assessment made clear that containing Lawrence must be a priority.

The stakes make that assignment even more important. The Steelers and Bengals enter their rematch at 6-2, with the Steelers holding the tiebreaker following a 30-27 victory in their first meeting. Another win would provide valuable separation in the AFC North race. Allowing an interior defender to repeatedly wreck possessions would make that opportunity much harder to capitalize on.

Rodgers detailed the challenge when discussing Lawrence ahead of the matchup. His praise covered more than the ability to overpower a blocker or finish a sack. He described a complete defender whose intelligence makes his physical talent even more difficult to handle.

"Yeah, he is an All-Pro player," Rodgers said. "He's one of the most talented guys of the last decade playing in the league. He's a force against the run."

That combination creates a difficult starting point for an offensive game plan. The Steelers cannot simply assume running the football will neutralize the threat of interior pressure. A defender who can disrupt rushing attempts also has the opportunity to create unfavorable passing situations. Second-and-long and third-and-long give a defense more freedom to attack the quarterback.

The Steelers already know how costly it can be to let Lawrence through. He sacked Rodgers on third down in the red zone during their first meeting, ending a chance to finish the drive with a touchdown. Those are the plays that can swing a close divisional game. The Steelers cannot afford to let him spoil another scoring opportunity in the rematch.

Rodgers also emphasized that Lawrence's impact extends beyond stopping a running back. His evaluation included the veteran's pass-rushing ability and awareness. Those qualities make him a problem even when an offense correctly identifies where he is aligned before the snap.

"He's a good pass rusher, too. He's smart," Rodgers said. "He's one of those dynamic players you have to worry about on every play."

The key phrase is every play. Accounting for Lawrence cannot become something the Steelers remember only after a negative result. Protection calls, blocking combinations and the timing of passing concepts all deserve attention against a defender with that skill set. One missed assignment can undo several productive snaps.

There is also a cost to committing additional help inside. Supporting one blocker can leave another offensive lineman responsible for handling his matchup alone. That does not mean the Steelers should avoid helping against Lawrence. It means their protection plan needs answers for the defenders who benefit from the attention he receives.

Steelers Need A Complete Plan For Wicked Interior Threat

Rodgers can help with recognition and decisive execution, but experience alone cannot solve repeated penetration. The line must give him room to operate, and the passing game must provide timely options. Avoiding unnecessary negative plays would help preserve that flexibility. The goal should be limiting Lawrence's influence rather than expecting him to disappear entirely. 

Winning early downs would also give Mike McCarthy more freedom to choose when to attack downfield. If the offense repeatedly falls behind the chains, those choices shrink. Staying patient matters, but patience must come with productive execution rather than predictable calls that invite another difficult situation.

This matchup puts a practical test behind Rodgers' praise. The Steelers understand the danger; now their execution must reflect it for an entire game. 

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