Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers return after their international game victory, 24-21, against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin. An early Bye Week after different styles of play and a promise of a reset by Tomlin to the unit. The Pittsburgh Steelers now take the field 3-1 for their upcoming challenge against the Cleveland Browns. But the focus remains on two key players who have disrupted the structure before. 

“Defensively, we can’t allow their run game to keep them on schedule. We have to do a great job of minimizing Judkins and others. They’ll do everything in their power to stay on schedule to not end up behind the chains. And so that’s a major component of it.” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said while speaking to Bob Pompeani, the host of the Keys to the Game show. He also gave his take on the Browns’ defensive end.

“For us, we certainly can’t allow Myles Garrett to direct the game. He’s capable of that. At times when we’ve struggled against them in recent years, he is the central reason why, and so we got to be smart.”

To counter Garrett, the Steelers must commit a lot of blocking resources, which may create openings for the other Browns’ defense. Comparatively, Myles Garrett has recorded 13 sacks, 31 solo tackles, four forced fumbles, and 13 assists in 14 games against Pittsburgh. He led the league in tackles-for-loss in 2024 and recorded 14 sacks. In a 2024 game against Pittsburgh, he also recorded three sacks, proving that he could influence the outcome of a game.

With a history of controlling games against the Steelers, including numerous sacks and forced fumbles, Garrett is a top-tier pass rusher. He has a track record of consistently high sack totals, making him one of the NFL’s best pass rushers. He overcomes obstacles by combining strength and speed, and he is especially skilled at bending around the edge. What about Judkins?

The 21-year-old RB has ranked ninth in the league in terms of volume with 347 rushing yards on 72 carries (4.8 yards per carry). In Week 5, he had his first 100-yard game with 110 yards on 23 carries, demonstrating that he already commands a lot of work and can make defenses respect him. Cleveland can stay on schedule on early downs and avoid passing situations if Pittsburgh permits steady gains.

These stats underline Tomlin’s point that these two key threats can push the Pittsburgh Steelers off schedule via the run and can turn mistakes into game-defining plays. Figures aside, Garrett had also directed statements towards Aaron Rodgers, which reflect a sense of redemption for never sacking the quarterback so far.

Garrett vs. Rodgers in the AFC North

Myles Garrett’s comments before this week’s contest give a deeper narrative dimension to a thrilling battle. Garrett’s wish to incorporate Rodgers’ legacy into his “graveyard” design lies at the heart of the conflict.

“He’ll probably get propped up a little bit higher than some of the others. But yeah. I’d be honored to put him in the graveyard, and I definitely have a lot of respect for what he’s done in his career, because he’s special,” Garrett said about Aaron Rodgers. 

Aaron Rodgers has a 3-0 lifetime record against Cleveland going into this fight. Rodgers threw for 202 yards and three touchdowns in a 24–22 victory over the Browns in 2021. Garrett has led the league in tackles for loss (22) in recent seasons and has amassed 102.5 career sacks, including at least 12 sacks in each of the last five seasons.

During his nine years in the NFL, Garrett sacked many quarterbacks but never recorded a sack on Rodgers. Taking down Rodgers would add one of the most well-known quarterbacks in contemporary NFL history to his graves as he continues to improve on those stats.