Pittsburgh Steelers Derrick Harmon Reveals The Secret To Stopping Former Teammate Ahead Of Week 6 Clash

In the chess match of the NFL, inside information can be a game-changer. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, heading into their Week 6 AFC North showdown against the Cleveland Browns, that inside information comes from an unlikely source: their first-round rookie. Defensive tackle Derrick Harmon has a unique and valuable perspective on the Browns’ new starting quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, having been his teammate at the University of Oregon. Harmon’s insights are providing the Steelers’ defense with a rare blueprint on how to contain the promising young quarterback.

Pittsburgh Steelers Derrick Harmon To Face Former QB Teammate

The Steelers are coming off a bye week, rested and ready to host their first AFC North battle of the season. Divisional games are known for their intensity and physicality, and this matchup against the 1-4 Browns is no exception. For Pittsburgh, it’s a chance to assert dominance within the division. For Cleveland, it’s an opportunity to spoil a rival’s day with a rookie quarterback looking to make a name for himself.

That rookie is Dillon Gabriel, who will be making just his second career start. His first start, a loss to the Minnesota Vikings, was a mixed bag but showed flashes of the talent that made him a high-level college prospect. Now, he faces a veteran Steelers defense known for making life difficult for young quarterbacks. Adding a fascinating layer to this matchup is Derrick Harmon, who spent his college years practicing against Gabriel every day.

Harmon’s Scouting Report on Dillon Gabriel

When Harmon spoke to the media ahead of the game, he didn’t just offer generic praise for his former teammate. He provided a detailed and insightful scouting report, highlighting the specific challenges Gabriel presents and, more importantly, the key to slowing him down.

“Great football player. He** of a guy off the field, too, man,” Harmon began, showing respect for his former teammate. “Very smart quarterback. I feel like he knows his weaknesses and his strengths, and he’s gonna use them, and he’s gonna make sure that you don’t use his weaknesses against him.”

This assessment points to Gabriel’s high football IQ. He isn’t just a raw talent relying on physical gifts; he’s a cerebral player who understands his own game. According to Harmon, Gabriel is keenly aware of his limitations and actively works to protect himself from being exploited. This self-awareness is a rare trait in a rookie quarterback and makes him a more difficult opponent than his limited NFL experience might suggest.

Harmon then revealed the secret to containing him.

“Very smart football player,” Harmon reiterated. “We’ve just got to keep him in the pocket and stop that run at the end of the day.”

This simple but crucial piece of advice forms the foundation of the Steelers’ defensive game plan. Gabriel, while not a traditional running quarterback, is effective at extending plays with his legs and can hurt a defense that loses contain. By keeping him in the pocket, the Steelers can shrink the field and force him to operate in a more confined space. This takes away his ability to improvise and makes him more reliant on reading the defense from a static position, a much more difficult task for a young quarterback facing a complex NFL defense.

Gabriel’s Strengths: A Legitimate Threat

Harmon’s warning to his team is backed up by Gabriel’s performance in his NFL debut. While the Browns lost to the Vikings, Gabriel exceeded expectations, throwing for 190 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Facing a tough, aggressive Vikings defense led by Brian Flores, Gabriel’s ability to protect the football and make plays under pressure was notable.

His composure and experience in high-level college games at Oregon mean he is not easily rattled. He has played in big games and faced elite competition before. This isn’t a rookie who will be overwhelmed by the moment. The Steelers’ defense must treat him as a legitimate threat, not just an inexperienced first-year player.

Gabriel’s strengths include:

• Quick Decision-Making: He gets the ball out of his hands quickly, which can neutralize a pass rush.
• Accuracy on the Move: He is comfortable throwing outside the pocket, which is why Harmon’s “keep him in the pocket” advice is so critical.
• Protecting the Football: His ability to avoid turnovers in his first start shows a level of maturity and discipline.

The Steelers’ defensive staff will have poured over the film from his debut, but Harmon’s inside knowledge provides context that the tape alone cannot. He understands Gabriel’s mindset, his tendencies under pressure, and the subtle cues that might indicate what he’s thinking.

The Steelers’ Defensive Game Plan

Combining Harmon’s insights with their own film study, the Steelers’ defensive strategy for containing Dillon Gabriel will likely be built on a few key principles.

1. Disciplined Pass Rush

The mantra will be “rush smart, not just hard.” The primary goal of the pass rush, led by T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, will be to collapse the pocket and keep Gabriel contained. This means avoiding wide rush lanes that would allow him to escape and extend the play. The focus will be on disciplined, coordinated rushes that shrink his space without letting him break free.

2. Disguised Coverages

To combat Gabriel’s high football IQ, the Steelers will need to confuse him with their coverages. This means showing one look pre-snap and shifting into another after the snap. By disguising their intentions, they can create hesitation in Gabriel’s mind, forcing him to hold onto the ball longer than he wants to. This extra half-second is often all the pass rush needs to get home.

3. Stop the Run on Early Downs

Harmon’s final piece of advice was to “stop that run.” This isn’t just about stopping Gabriel from scrambling; it’s about shutting down the Browns’ running game on first and second down. If the Steelers can put the Browns in predictable passing situations (3rd and long), they can unleash their full pass-rushing arsenal and make Gabriel’s life miserable.

Conclusion: An Edge in a Key Matchup

This storyline adds a compelling human element to a classic divisional rivalry. In a league where every advantage matters, Harmon’s intimate knowledge of his former teammate could prove to be a decisive factor. His scouting report provides a clear, actionable game plan: control the line of scrimmage, keep Gabriel in the pocket, and force him to beat you as a traditional pocket passer.

While Gabriel has shown he is a talented and poised young quarterback, he is about to face a veteran Steelers defense armed with a unique and personal blueprint for how to defeat him. This Week 6 showdown will be a fascinating test for both young players and a critical battle in the race for the AFC North.