Steelers Defeat Browns, rodgers’ Speedy Processing Key to Victory
Pittsburgh – The Steelers defeated the Browns on October 12th, a win heavily influenced by quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ ability to quickly process defenses and deliver the ball, according to Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. The steelers’ typically aggressive defense, known for generating pressure and turnovers, faced a challenge against Rodgers, who was not sacked and completed 70 percent of his passes for touchdowns of 12 and 25 yards.
Rodgers’ “time to throw” was described by Tomlin as “elite,” stemming from his ability to “decipher components of the progression prior to the snap” and “eliminate potential throws or options prior to even the ball being snapped.” This resulted in the Browns recording zero sacks, three hits on the quarterback, three pass breakups, and zero takeaways.
The Steelers defense, entering the game ranked second in the NFL in sacks per pass play with 14 sacks and 10 takeaways in four games, did manage 6 sacks and 16 hits against Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, but failed to force a turnover. Despite this, seven of the Browns’ eight non-take-a-knee possessions began inside their own 30-yard line.
Rodgers led two late-game touchdown drives,completing 4-of-6 passes for 43 yards and a 12-yard touchdown to Connor Heyward,and then 3-of-3 for 51 yards and a 25-yard touchdown to DK Metcalf,securing a two-score lead for the Steelers.