Aaron Rodgers falters under Myles Garrett’s pressure as Steelers’ winless streak in Cleveland extends
Since 2003, the Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled to find a reliable quarterback, aside from the legendary Ben Roethlisberger, who can secure a victory in Cleveland. On Sunday, December 28, the Cleveland Browns hosted the Steelers at Huntington Bank Field, edging out a narrow win with a final score of 13-6.
Rodgers’ Frustrating Finale
The game culminated in a tense final drive led by Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers’ signal caller, who found himself unable to complete a pass in the end zone on three consecutive attempts. As the clock wound down, it was evident that Rodgers was rattled, compelled to release the ball quickly throughout the contest. This urgency seemed to undermine his confidence and control in the pocket, traits that have earned him a reputation as one of the league’s most dependable quarterbacks.
Garrett’s Unyielding Presence
At the heart of Rodgers’ struggles was defensive end Myles Garrett, who was in pursuit of a record-setting sack. Garrett entered the game with 22 sacks on the season and was aiming to surpass the current single-season leaders, T.J. Watt and Michael Strahan, who both sit at 22.5. Throughout the game, Garrett consistently pressured Rodgers, his relentless pursuit evident in every snap. Although he did not register a sack against the Steelers, the mere threat of his dominance was palpable, causing Rodgers to appear cautious rather than assertive.
“Myles affects every single game,” said Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski. “He shows up on the stat sheet in a bunch of areas, even in ways you don’t always see.”
This statement underscores the profound impact Garrett has on opposing quarterbacks, illustrating how his presence alone can disrupt the rhythm of an offense. In this match, even without a sack to his name, Garrett’s influence was unmistakable, leaving Rodgers to navigate the field with a sense of trepidation.
As the Steelers left Cleveland, their winless streak in the city continued, further complicating their season and leaving fans to wonder if they can ever reclaim dominance in their rivalry against the Browns.
