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While Aaron Rodgers has had a successful start as the Steelers' franchise quarterback, deep completions have largely alluded the four-time league MVP during his first month in Pittsburgh. Rodgers inadvertently revealed the key to unlocking Pittsburgh's vertical passing attack when he was asked this week about the success the Steelers had on short passes during their 3-1 start. 

"It's easy playing [against] Cover 2," Rodgers said. "Playing Cover 2, there's not gonna be a ton of big shots down the field. Until we get them in one-high, it's gonna be precision passing short of the sticks." 

As Rodgers noted, opposing defenses have regularly lined up against Pittsburgh in Cover 2, a zone defense that uses two safeties to cover the backend of the field with five underneath defenders covering the shorter routes. 

It's clear that Rodgers doesn't feel that throwing deep against Cover 2 would be a wise decision, especially against defenses that have talented safety play. Rodgers said that he won't force throws downfield if defenses continue to show that coverage. 

"There's not going to be a lot of shots open down the boundary," Rodgers said. "So, we're just trying to be efficient." 

To combat Cover 2, the Steelers have majored in short passes this season. During their Week 4 win against the Vikings, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith also had DK Metcalf line up in the slot more in an effort to get him some easy touches. Metcalf responded with a 80-yard catch-and-carry that proved to be a key play in Pittsburgh's 24-21 win. 

Having a strong running game can also help the Steelers force opposing defenses to play less Cover 2. Pittsburgh may be on their way to achieving that based on what it was able to do on the ground against Minnesota. Kenneth Gainwell, starting in place of injured teammate Jaylen Warren, ran for 99 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. Gainwell led a Steelers rushing attack that gained a season-high 131 yards on 29 carries. 

While Pittsburgh surely wants to have more big plays downfield, it's clear that they won't force the issue, especially if other facets of its offense are working. That may very well come into play this weekend against a Browns defense that features Myles Garrett, one of the league's best pass rushers. Rodgers said that getting the ball out quickly will be critical on Sunday against Garrett. 

If Pittsburgh's defense can neutralize Garrett, that could lead to some big plays for Pittsburgh's offense against the Browns, whose defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz, typically likes to play eight defenders in the box. 

Speaking of Schwartz, Rodgers said that he would "love to have a Guinness with him when we're both done." In terms of beating his defense on Sunday, Rodgers will lean on his wealth of experience.  

"I mean, that's all I have at this point," he said. "I'm 21 years in."