Getting a win in the North: The Steelers opened AFC North play on Sunday with a 23-9 win over the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium.
The win improved the Steelers record to 4-1, sitting in first place in the division.
"It's great to win in the North," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "Good start for us in divisional play. I appreciate how the guys came off the bye. We didn't warm up to it. We had certain agendas that we thought were critical to making this game unfold the way we desired for it to unfold."
The defense stepped up and shut down the Browns ground game, limiting running back Quinshon Judkins to just 36 yards on 12 carries. They forced the Browns to rely on the passing game, applying pressure on rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who was sacked six times.
"We thought they played behind their runner," said Tomlin. "We wanted to do a good job of minimizing him, and I think we did that. When you do that, then you're in favorable one-dimensional passing circumstances for your defense, and I think that was reflected in the pressure that we were able to put on the quarterback."
The offense put up 100 yards on the ground, spreading it around this week with Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell and Kaleb Johnson all contributing behind a strong performance by the offensive line.
The line also kept quarterback Aaron Rodgers upright, not allowing any sacks and minimizing the impact of Browns' defensive end Myles Garrett, who was credited with two assisted tackles on the day.
"On the other side of the ball we were able to stay on schedule and minimize those one-dimensional moments to minimize Myles Garrett's impact on the game," said Tomlin. "So, some of those agendas that we had, we were able to get accomplished, and I thought that's why we engineered victory."
While walking away with a win feels good, Tomlin knows there is work to do. The Steelers were penalized 10 times for 59 yards, something that wasn't acceptable to Tomlin.
"One area where we certainly fell short was the penalty component," said Tomlin. "We scout crews just like we scout teams. We know this crew throws a lot of penalties, and we dropped the ball in terms of our preparedness there. I'll accept responsibility for that. We got to be better.
"You can't beat anybody when you are beating yourself, and it just felt like at times we did that today. So, we got to own that.
"We've got a short week. We're chasing another AFC North pelt here in a short number of days, so we respect the process. We got to work fast here in preparation for Thursday night."
Tomlin's injury report update for the game was short, but it wasn't good as safety Miles Killebrew, the team's special team captain, suffered a 'significant' knee injury.
Contributions all around: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers spread the ball around on Sunday, hitting eight different receivers, including chunk plays to Darnell Washington for 36 yards, three to DK Metcalf for 25 yards each, plus one to him for 20 yards, and 12-yard completions to Connor Heyward and Roman Wilson.
Rodgers was quick to credit the success of the run game for being able to open the passing game up, allowing for the offense to move and be two-dimensional.
"I said last week we needed to see some more one high stuff and take some shots down the field, and you have to run the football to do that," said Rodgers. "I feel like the line controlled the line of scrimmage today pretty well, and I thought Jaylen (Warren) ran the ball really well.
"Kenny (Gainwell) always does well in the run and pass game, but Jaylen, he's slippery in there. I thought he had some really nice runs."
Rodgers likes what he is seeing from the offense overall, playing the kind of football they want to play.
"I think we're playing pretty smart football," said Rodgers. "I think Art (Smith) got us into a good rhythm today. When we take care of the football and don't turn it over, we're going to have a chance in any game. Then if we can control the line of scrimmage, we're really going to be playing downhill.
"I thought the key to the last two games have been first and second down. When we're efficient on those drives, we usually score points. When we're not, there's been some three and outs.
"So, I like what we've done with Spence (Spencer Anderson). I like obviously what we've done with Darnell. Seems like the more playing time he's out there, big things happen. The first play of the game. I know he got the ball punched out, but he's a super talented guy. For 6'8" and whatever he tips the scales at, I love having Darnell out there. His presence, his energy, his body, he's made a big difference for us."
Another person Rodgers pointed out as making a big difference isn't on the offensive side of the ball.
Instead he gave a huge shoutout to safety Jalen Ramsey, who played on Sunday after missing practice two days this week due to a hamstring injury.
"I do want to make a point and talk about Ramsey, because what he did this week getting ready to play," said Rodgers. "I've been around the game a long time, and I've seen a lot of guys in a situation where you got a Sunday/Thursday, skip both games. Where maybe they're 85%, but they want to be 100%, because I think there's a fear of failure almost that can paralyze them where if I don't play my best game, then what does that say about me if I'm not 100%?
"I think some guys are scared to go out there and play, but for Jalen to go out there with everything he's accomplished in this league, I just can't say enough about the level of respect I have for him. He had, what, two sacks and pass break-ups and tackles.
"If there was any question about the type of person that he is -- take away the incredible player -- but the person and teammate, I think he just showed all of us the kind of guy that he is by going out there and playing today."
Have a day: Receiver DK Metcalf lit it up against the Browns with four receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown.
Three of those receptions were for 25 yards, while one was for 20 yards.
"When 8 (Aaron Rodgers) is in the gun, especially throwing the football, I always think I've got a chance, especially with the way our O-line is playing," said Metcalf. "They're definitely giving him time back there to find the open guy down field."
Metcalf said himself and Rodgers continue to develop a strong connection, much of that coming during practice.
"I think it's just the timing during practice," said Metcalf. "And us talking about the different DBs that we're going to go against throughout the week. Making sure we're both on the same page, how they play me, either press coverage, soft shoe, or hard jam. If they two-hand jam or one-hand jam and all those details about the DBs."
Metcalf said nothing has surprised him about Rodgers, because he went in to playing with him with an open mind.
"I don't go into a relationship or a teammate or one-on-one with a person expecting for them to act a certain way," said Metcalf. "I let them show me everything that they want to show me or talk to me how they want to talk to me, and then I'll be the judge of that from the rest.
"What I've seen and heard from him is he loves the game of football, loves hanging out, loves the people who are playing for him and works hard. I can respect a guy like that, especially with the work that he's put in since I was 3, I want to say, in the league. He's done this for a long time at a long clip. Just happy he's throwing me the ball."
Getting called out: When linebacker Nick Herbig was introduced with the starting defense before Sunday's game, the 12th defensive player, you had a feeling it was going to be a good day for him.
And he didn't disappoint.
Herbig finished the day with two sacks, continuing to give the defense exactly what they are looking for from the young linebacker.
"He's playing at a pretty high level," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "That's why I introduced 12 defenders today."
Herbig said it surprised him, and he stepped up to the plate.
"I wasn't expecting that at all," said Herbig. "DY (Darrel Young) and Mike T. told me before the game. I just wear that with great pride and an honor because I know all the great legendary players that have come through these buildings and walked the same halls as me.
"Just the fact that they have their belief in me, that respect for me to allow me to run out of the tunnel with all the guys, you know, I'm truly blessed."
Herbig has been a key cog in the rotation at outside linebacker, allowing T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith to remain fresh throughout the game.
"It's great," said Herbig. "We know what we're capable of, the three of us. Like Coach said, the full metal clip, or whatever he said. It's just awesome to be out there with those two guys. Man, they're dawgs, super professional guys.
"They take care of business on and off the field, and just being able to share the field with them. Even Cam (Heyward), too. That's something I'm going to look back someday and be really blessed and grateful for."
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