Mike Tomlin warns Steelers about Browns rookies ahead of AFC North clash

Even before the Cleveland Browns surprisingly traded veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday, rookie Dillon Gabriel was on track to serve as Cleveland's QB1 for the club's game at the rival Pittsburgh Steelers this coming Sunday. 

While speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin made it clear he's not taking the Gabriel-led Browns lightly. 

Mike Tomlin names "superpower" Dillon Gabriel has as QB

"He's a six-year college player," Tomlin said about the 24-year-old Gabriel, per Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot. "He threw for over 18,000 yards in college -- 155 touchdowns, 32 interceptions in terms of a TD-to-interception ratio. And so I think that in-helmet perspective, you can't put a price tag on. He also threw for 10,000-plus yards in high school. ...He's older and more experienced than most rookies. I think timely processing is his superpower, and I think his experience and that superpower has been on display. And I think those are one of the central reasons why they went to him." 

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski named Gabriel the starter last week, and the 2025 third-round draft pick performed admirably against the Minnesota Vikings in London this past Sunday. In total, Gabriel completed 19-of-33 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns in the 21-17 loss at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 

What Mike Tomlin likes about Quinshon Judkins

In the Week 5 game against Minnesota, Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins rushed for 110 yards on 23 carries. Over the first four contests of his pro career, Judkins averaged 4.8 yards per carry on 72 total attempts. Defensive tackle Derrick Harmon is among the members of the Steelers who expect the Browns will give Judkins touches early and often at Acrisure Stadium this Sunday. 

"He is a tough runner," Tomlin said about Judkins, as shared by Jim Wexell of the Steelers' website. "He's good inside. He's got good patience and picking vision on interior running. He finishes off his runs with violence. He's underrated in terms of his ability to bounce it to the perimeter and pop long ones. ...Man, he is a complete back. He's the type of guy that can wear a defensive unit down."

The defense of the 3-1 Steelers should be rested coming off the club's bye week. As of Wednesday morning, ESPN BET had Pittsburgh as a 5.5-point favorite for the home game versus the 1-4 Browns.