With Rodgers' talent, he can be a threat with the football, but Cleveland's defense will try to minimize that threat. The Browns have held three of the five quarterbacks they have faced this season under the 196-yard mark that Rodgers is averaging this season. Although he isn't passing the ball for a large number of yards per game, Rodgers is getting the ball out in a short amount of time.
Rodgers, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, has the quickest time to throw this season at 2.52 seconds this season. While the Browns' defense was able to get to Vikings QB Carson Wentz – the quarterback with the second-quickest time – sacking him three times, Wentz's quick throw ability beat them on the final drive.
Against the Steelers, both the secondary and defensive line are going to have to work in tandem in order to slow down Rodgers getting the ball out of his hand. If the secondary can cover Metcalf and the other Pittsburgh receivers for longer, then a window opens for the defensive line to pressure Rodgers.
Through five games, the Browns' defense has been top five in the NFL in all yardage categories and has recorded a takeaway in three consecutive games. The Browns' top priority will be Rodgers and his throwing ability. If Rodgers can get the ball to Metcalf, then the pair will punish defenses, leaving it up to the Browns to contain them during the divisional matchup.
"It's on all of us. I'm not going to go through game plan and scheme, but I think it's on the entire defense to neutralize (his quick throw ability)," Ward said.