PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The Browns dropped their third consecutive game, as the Steelers beat Cleveland 23-9 in Week 6. Over the course of the game, the Browns struggled to sustain offensive drives, settling for three field goals to put points on the board. Defensively, the Browns managed to limit explosive run plays but struggled to contain QB Aaron Rodgers and his ability to get the ball out quickly in the second half.
"You can't do those things and expect to go on the road and win," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "Just frustrated to not play clean football on offense, defense and special teams. Just can't do that on the road, especially against a good football team. We got to get it fixed. Before you start winning you got to stop losing. We're doing some things right now that are preventing us from winning, so we'll get it fixed."
Here are three main takeaways from the Browns loss to the Steelers.
Offense sputters on drives
The Browns were not able to find the end zone against the Steelers, with drives stalled by key penalties, loss of yards and incomplete passes that kept them from moving the chains. They converted 6 of 17 third down attempts and just 2 of 4 fourth down attempts.
QB Dillon Gabriel finished his second start completing 29 of 52 passing attempts for 221 yards. His top pass catcher WR Jerry Jeudy pulled in five of his 13 targets, while TE Harold Fannin Jr. caught seven of his 10 targets. But Gabriel also took a number of hits throughout the game, including taking six sacks and 16 quarterback hits.
"He's a tough kid. We got to keep him clean," Stefanski said. "Obviously when the game turned into a two-score game you've got to drop back, and that's a tough team to drop back versus. He kept battling. It wasn't for lack of effort by him or anybody. He made some plays. But we've just got to be better."
As an offense, they struggled to find success in the run and the pass game, totaling 65 net rushing yards and 183 net passing yards. The offensive line could not create the running lanes for RB Quinshon Judkins, who totaled 36 rushing yards on 12 carries, or keep a clean pocket to allow Gabriel to find his receivers. When he did find his receivers, players struggled to come down with the catch, like a few dropped passes by WR Isaiah Bond, TE David Njoku and WR Jamari Thrash. Those issues led to drives stalling and forcing the Browns to settle for field goals over the course of the game.
Gabriel said while they couldn't create explosive plays against the Steelers, they have to find ways to generate chunk plays as an offense. And as a unit, they need to improve on sustaining drives.
"I think there's a lot of positives in certain areas, and then there's a negative play or a penalty here and there that sets us back in a series where you're going to get in third-and-long," Gabriel said. "And they've been really good at that in third and long. At that point it's a lot tougher to sustain drives. But when we are ahead and being really good on first and second, then all of a sudden on thirds you're converting, you're building momentum and being able to sustain drives where you're in the plus territory. And then I think when you're in the plus territory, you can't not score – you've got to go score touchdowns and not field goals. I think there's a lot for sure to work on and we'll have to take it one by one, and all get better. Like I said, it all starts with me."
Browse action photos from the Browns' 2025 Week 6 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, featuring top plays and moments.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (90) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) and Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Cornerback Tyson Campbell (7) and Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Cornerback Tyson Campbell (7) and Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Cornerback Tyson Campbell (7) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
The defense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
The offense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Cornerback Tyson Campbell (7) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (90) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Safety Donovan McMillon (31) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (96) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Tight end Blake Whiteheart (86) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Safety Donovan McMillon (31) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (90) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Offensive tackle Cam Robinson (68) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (25) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) and Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (16) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (96) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Linebacker Jerome Baker (17) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) and Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30), Cornerback Denzel Ward (21), and Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Cornerback Dom Jones (37) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Cornerback Dom Jones (37) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (25) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
The offense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (16) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) and Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (25) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77), Center Ethan Pocic (55), and Offensive tackle Cam Robinson (68) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Offensive tackle Cam Robinson (68) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (25) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Cornerback Tyson Campbell (7) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) and Kicker Andre Szmyt (25) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (25) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) and Offensive tackle Cam Robinson (68) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Offensive tackle Cam Robinson (68) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on October 12, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium.
Andre Szmyt makes career-high field goals
K Andre Szmyt provided a bright spot for the Browns, as he scored all nine of their points against the Steelers. He went a perfect 3 of 3 and set a career high in made field goals.
"Another young player that we're counting on," Stefanski said. "We trust him. Does a nice job in these games. Obviously, we have that confidence in him."
With less than four minutes left in the first half, the Browns drove down the field. However, they were not able to find the end zone as the clocked ticked down, so Szmyt lined up with three seconds left in the half. He made a 31-yard field goal to put the Browns on the board for the first time in the game.
Szmyt continued his success in the kicking game, as he hit a 53-yard field goal after their offensive drive stalled. Then, after another offensive drive stalled in the fourth quarter, Szmyt hit a 32-yard field goal to give the Browns nine points.
Defense struggles to limit QB Aaron Rodgers in the pass game
Heading into Week 6, the Browns knew the passing threat in QB Aaron Rodgers and his ability to get the ball out of his hands quickly and to his receivers. In the first half, Rodgers completed 12 of 19 passing attempts for 120 yards, with his longest throw on their opening offensive drive for 36 yards. However, in the first half, the Browns were able to combat Rodgers moving the ball through the air by stalling drives and forcing Pittsburgh to kick field goals.
The Browns held the Steelers out of the red zone in the first half and settled for three field goals. However, in the second half, Rodgers continued to get the ball out quickly, and it paid off twice. Rodgers connected with TE Conner Heyward on a 12-yard pass for their first touchdown of the day in the third quarter, and another 25-yard pass to WR DK Metcalf for the second in the fourth. Rodgers ended the game completing 21 of 30 passing attempts for 235 yards and two touchdowns.
The Browns were also unable to sack Rodgers, totaling just three quarterback hits, due to their blocking scheme as well as Rodgers getting rid of the ball to his receivers quickly. The Steelers' offensive line neutralized DE Myles Garrett's pass rushing ability, holding him to just two tackles.
"They chipped, he got the ball out as quick as possible, and there weren't a lot of situations in which […] that I could have got there," Garrett said. "That was the situation for all of us — the way he was getting it out or spreading it to the other side. He moved behind the line of scrimmage more than he has in the last couple of years, and that wasn't by mistake."
