It was a bold move: the Cleveland Browns traded veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals amid their QB crisis, prompting divisional rivals to rethink their strategies. Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was among the first to raise concerns, while Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has since clarified his position.

When Stefanski was asked about Tomlin’s comments during a 92.3 The Fan interview on October 13, he kept a poker face at first. “I don’t have a comment on that,” he replied. That has been his strategy this whole year. Even after the trade, he did not give much information, only saying, “The Joe (Flacco) trade took us by surprise… Not something we saw coming. They called us…They wanted Joe.” Yes, it was indeed surprising.

However, Tomlin showed his feelings in the league with his comments on the inter-divisional trade. “To be honest, it was shocking to me,” Tomlin said about the veteran move as they prepare for the Bengals’ week 7 game. But instead of the coach, he targeted the GM, Andrew Berry.

“Andrew Berry must be a lot smarter than me or us because it doesn’t make sense to trade a quarterback you think enough of to make your opening-day starter to a division opponent that’s hurting in that area,” Tomlin added.

The move was certainly hard to comprehend, especially since Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel doesn’t appear ready for the starting role. In their Week 6 matchup, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin cruised to a 23-9 victory over Kevin Stefanski’s Browns.

While Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers completed 21 of 30 passes (70% completion rate) for 235 yards and 2 touchdowns, Gabriel only had 29 of 52 passes (55.8% completion rate) for 221 yards and no scores.

Even in pass protection, the Browns’ offensive line failed, as the rookie was sacked six times for a loss of 38 yards. So, Berry’s decision to trade the veteran while their own team is struggling doesn’t help them. But Tomlin already has the upcoming game on his mind.

Joe Flacco vs Aaron Rodgers – a veteran battle incoming

It could shape up to be a battle of seasoned quarterbacks, with Aaron Rodgers, now 41, leading the charge. In 5 games this year, he has a 4-1 record with 95 of 138 passes (68.8% completion rate) for 1021 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions. The best part is that his efforts have landed wins for the team.

On the other hand, Joe Flacco lost in his Bengals’ debut against the Packers. He threw 45 passes and completed only 29 (64.4% completion rate) for 219 yards despite 2 touchdowns. Overall, 2025 hasn’t been like 2023 when he won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award.

This year, the Browns lost 3 of 4 games with him. Joe Flacco completed 93 of 160 passes (58.1% completion rate) for 815 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions. So, things have been difficult for him. However, with Joe Burrow sidelined and the current momentum of the Black and Gold, the Cincinnati Bengals have a strong chance of winning the upcoming matchup.

The rivalry has been a long one. Both teams have played 111 games, with the Steelers winning 71 of them. Even in the recent past, they won three games in a row since 2023 before losing the last game in January 2024. However, this time, Flacco hasn’t been in top form, while Rodgers is driving his offense aggressively against the opposition.

Tomlin still praised his longtime rival. “He can throw the football – arm strength, arm accuracy, anticipatory passer, fluid movement through progressions. That’s always been his game,” he said of Flacco, acknowledging the veteran’s enduring skill and career.

It comes down to who can play harder on the ground on October 16 at Paycor Stadium. And it will be a high- adrenaline battle.