Roethlisberger Calls Browns Game Steelers' 'Second Bye' Amid AFC North Challenges

The Pittsburgh Steelers, currently leading the AFC North with a 3-1 record, are entering a bye week before facing the Cleveland Browns in Week 6. Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger downplayed the Browns as a significant threat, calling the upcoming game essentially a second bye week for Pittsburgh, citing Cleveland's 1-3 start and recent struggles. However, the Browns boast the NFL's top-ranked total defense and have already upset a strong Green Bay Packers team, posing a substantial challenge to the Steelers' offense, which has shown inconsistency. Cleveland's defense, led by Defensive Player of the Year candidate Myles Garrett, is expected to pressure the Steelers' young offensive line aggressively. Despite Roethlisberger's confidence and historical dominance over the Browns, recent matchups have been more balanced, with Cleveland splitting games against Pittsburgh since 2022. The divisional rivalry and the Browns' defensive prowess suggest the game could be more competitive than Roethlisberger's remarks imply.