STEELERS WEEK 5: CAN'T TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS

- Tyler Yasembousky, Contributor

The Cleveland Browns haven’t won a regular season game in Pittsburgh since 2003.

(Granted, they did pull off that playoff win in 2021)

So the question heading into Week 5 was — could they finally break the curse?

Let’s talk about it.

The Browns came into this one at 1-4, struggling to find any rhythm. Meanwhile, the Steelers (3-1) were fresh off a bye week and feeling good. But in the AFC North, records don’t mean much. Every matchup’s a fight — even when it shouldn’t be.

Thankfully, the Steelers didn’t take this as a “second bye.” They showed up ready.

The Defense Dominates

Making just his second start, Browns rookie QB Dillon Gabriel had a long day.

Pittsburgh’s defense harassed him all afternoon — six sacks and 16 QB hits. That kind of pressure set the tone early and kept the Browns off balance from start to finish.

The Browns have now failed to score 17+ points in 11 straight games dating back to last season. The Steelers only needed 23 to take care of business.

Rodgers Brings the Calm

Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers continued to be Mr. Consistent. He doesn’t just lead on the field — he’s changed the entire energy in that locker room.

The Steelers carry themselves differently now — confident but composed. No panic, no ego.

After some locker room drama in past years (looking at you, George Pickens), things finally feel under control. Rodgers and Mike Tomlin deserve credit for that. The vibes in Pittsburgh are strong.

Offense Finds Its Groove (Eventually)

It wasn’t a flashy game. The offense moved the ball, but early on they kept stalling out, relying on Chris Boswell to hit three first-half field goals. Still, points are points — and Pittsburgh went into halftime up 9–3.

As DK Metcalf put it afterward:

“We keep finding different ways to win. The defense keeps keeping us in games whenever we lull through the first half like we did today. I think we’re just playing complementary ball on both ends.”

Metcalf’s not wrong. The defense has carried the load at times, but in the second half, the offense finally woke up. Rodgers tossed two touchdown passes, including a 25-yard strike to Metcalf early in the fourth quarter to make it 23–6 — essentially sealing the deal.

Metcalf finished with 4 catches for 95 yards and a TD, once again showing why the ball needs to find him more often.

Same Story, Same Result

The Steelers beat the Browns at home — again — marking 22 straight regular season home wins against Cleveland. Looks like you just can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

Looking Ahead

With the AFC North struggling:

• Browns: 1-5

• Ravens: 1-5

• Bengals: 2-4

• Steelers: 4-1

Pittsburgh now heads to Thursday Night Football in Cincinnati to take on the Bengals.

A win there could make one thing clear — the Steelers are ready to take a stranglehold on this division.