The Browns didn’t hold back on the Lions’ recent claim

The Cleveland Browns have one of the top defenses in the NFL this season as they have shown the ability to stifle opposing teams' passing and run game through three games.

Cleveland rank fourth in passing yards allowed (441) and first in rushing yards allowed (172), per 

Coming off their Week 3 upset of the Green Bay Packers, the Browns now head to Detroit for a matchup with the Lions. The spotlight isn't just on the field, though — there's already a bit of tension brewing between the coordinators who'll be squaring off when Detroit's offense takes the field.

Tension brewing between Browns and Lions

Lions offensive coordinator John Morton didn't hold back when talking about Cleveland's defense, saying, "I don't think they've seen a running game like ours yet."

The Lions rank fourth in the league, averaging 149.0 rushing yards per game. They'll face a tough test against Cleveland, which leads the league by allowing just 57.3 rushing yards per game.

On Thursday, Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz pushed back against that claim made by the Lions' Morton.

"I mean, we've faced some good running offenses," Schwartz told reporters (h/t Pro Football Talk

"Two different running backs, you got to protect your edges. You got to defend all 53 and [a] third [yards], particularly with [Jahmyr] Gibbs. And then there's a lot of passes that are just extensions of the run game.

"A lot of screen game, a lot of quicks. Even the checkdowns are sort of an extension of the run game. So, our ability to play run defense, our ability to tackle in the open field, you know, that's a major part of this game plan going forward."

Josh Metellus Drops Bombshell on Vikings' Plans to Stop Aaron Rodgers in Dublin

The Pittsburgh Steelers are hitting the international waters as they head to Dublin, Ireland, for Week 4 against the 

Minnesota Vikings. This game will be very interesting as the Vikings are turning to backup quarterback Carson Wentz, who is coming off a massive 48-10 win over the 

Cincinnati Bengals. The Steelers, sitting at 2-1 after a 21-14 victory over the New England Patriots, are looking to make a statement on foreign soil. The big question, however, 

remains with Pittsburgh’s defense, which has yet to look like the dominant, suffocating unit fans are used to seeing. If the defense can’t find its footing, the Steelers could be in for a long day overseas.

Aaron Rodgers will also be under the spotlight in Dublin, as he searches for cleaner execution and more consistency out of the Steelers’ offense. While the future Hall of Famer has shown flashes of brilliance, the unit as a whole has struggled to finish drives and maintain rhythm. Against a Vikings defense that just rattled the Bengals, Rodgers and the Steelers' offensive line will need to step up. Establishing the run game early and 

protecting Rodgers from pressure will be critical if Pittsburgh wants to avoid falling behind.

Adding fuel to the fire, Vikings safety Josh Metellus recently gave some insight into Minnesota’s strategy for this international clash. Speaking with 

Chad Johnson and Shannon Sharpe on Nightcap Wednesday night, Metellus outlined what he believes are the keys to beating the Steelers. 

"You think about a Mike Tomlin-coached [team], you think about a gritty, very physical, disciplined football team," Metellus said on the 

Nightcap podcast. "You add that with Aaron Rodgers, 21-year vet, who's elite with his passing ability and his football IQ, it's gonna be hard for us to find a way for them to make mistakes. On our end, we can't make mistakes."

While his comments added intrigue to an already unique matchup, they also put more eyes on the Vikings’ approach heading into this historic game. 

The Steelers now know what Minnesota thinks it must do to win, and with Head Coach 

Mike Tomlin leading the charge, Pittsburgh may be able to use those remarks as extra motivation to prove doubters wrong in Dublin.

"That's gonna be a big key to the game, is executing and not giving them easy stuff, not missing assignments, missing blitzes, and messing up coverages," Metellus said. "Making sure everybody is in their spots and executing the game plan because those are two very experienced people you're going against. You can't afford to give them anything to keep them in the game because once that fourth quarter hits, that's when their superpowers start to show."

Metellus and the Vikings know the importance of not allowing Rodgers to get into a rhythm. This Minnesota defense has been elite to start the season, proving they have the ability to stifle opposing offenses.

Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Is Going To Be Challenged Mightily In Week 4

For Rodgers, that relentless pass rush and opportunistic secondary could create serious problems if his offensive line fails to give him the time he needs on Sunday morning. The Steelers' offensive line avoided giving up any sacks in Week 3 against the Patriots, though Rodgers still took some punishing hits that slowed the offense. 

It’s important to make life easier on Rodgers by establishing balance, protecting the pocket, and staying disciplined as he faces this tough, aggressive Brian Flores defense that thrives on confusion and constant pressure. Some pundits believe this matchup could carry extra meaning for Rodgers, given that the Vikings showed little interest in him during the 2025 offseason.

 

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