Cleveland Browns could be facing Aaron Rodgers for final time

The Cleveland Browns are facing off against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17 as the two rivals complete their season series.

The Steelers could clinch the AFC North with a win against the Browns, so Cleveland will have a chance to play spoiler. Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz spoke about facing off against Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, whom he has grown quite familiar with throughout his coaching career.

“Nothing surprises me about Aaron Rodgers. I first went against him, 2008 I think, I was in Tennessee (Titans), it was his first year as a starter," Schwartz said.

"Went against him a bunch when I was in Detroit (Lions). Super smart, been around forever, elite arm talent, good mobility, just a great, accurate passer, all those different things. And, he doesn’t make very many bad plays, doesn’t take a lot of sacks and things like that. But he’s also willing to challenge coverage – always been that way. We’re going to have to play our very best against him.”

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers makes a pass against Detroit Lions. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Browns face tough task vs. Steelers

Rodgers has always seemed to find a way to make things work even when the odds are stacked against him. It also doesn't hurt that Rodgers has a strong running game with Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell assisting him. Schwartz also spoke about the threat Warren and Gainwell pose on the ground.

"Gainwell’s really increased his role since the first time we’ve played, not just in the run game, but in the passing game. And one of the things Pittsburgh (Steelers) does with Aaron Rodgers is they throw a lot of short RPOs, quick passes, little option routes to the running back, which are high percentage plays that are sort of an extension of the running game," Schwartz said.

"And both of those guys are really good run after catch. A lot of short throws, a lot of quick throws and run after the catch, and both Warren and Gainwell give those guys…a little bit of a different style. You know, Gainwell’s more of a jump cut, glider kind of a guy, and Warren is just compact and vertical."

The versatility between Warren and Gainwell means the Browns have to find a way to defend against both of them. If the Browns can't keep the two of them at bay, the team might hand the division crown to the Steelers while they are on the road in Week 17.