Steelers Struggles: Myles Garrett Critiques Focus on Sack Record
The Pittsburgh Steelers faced a disheartening defeat in Week 17, scoring a mere six points against the Cleveland Browns. This lackluster performance came at a pivotal moment, as the team was vying for the AFC North title and a spot in the playoffs. Entering the game, the Steelers had two primary goals: secure a victory and prevent Myles Garrett from breaking T.J. Watt’s single-season sack record. However, as the game unfolded, it became evident that one objective overshadowed the other.
Garrett’s Perspective on the Game
Garrett, who was just one sack shy of tying the record before the game, left the field still in pursuit of that milestone. Following the Steelers’ 10-6 loss, he expressed a belief that the Steelers were overly focused on him rather than on winning the game itself. “Yeah, I mean, to an extent I feel like they were more worried about keeping me away from Aaron [Rodgers] than getting the win. And I think that’s what came back to bite them,” Garrett said. His comments highlighted a significant shift in focus that may have contributed to the Steelers’ downfall.
Offensive Woes for Pittsburgh
The Steelers’ offensive performance was underwhelming, accumulating only 168 passing yards and failing to score a single touchdown. While Aaron Rodgers downplayed the importance of Garrett’s record, offensive tackle Dylan Cook admitted that it lingered in the back of his mind, albeit secondary to their goal of winning.
Head coach Mike Tomlin also weighed in on the situation, emphasizing that the pressure of the sack record did not change their game plan. “We didn’t do anything against Myles that we don’t normally do against Myles,” Tomlin stated. He asserted that the focus should remain on minimizing Garrett’s impact to achieve victory, referencing past encounters where they successfully limited his effectiveness.
Looking Ahead for the Steelers
With the loss to the Browns, the Steelers must now regroup and prepare for their upcoming battle against the Baltimore Ravens. As the team navigates the challenges posed by their performance in Cleveland, the focus will need to shift back to the fundamentals of winning, rather than individual accolades. The stakes are high, and the Steelers find themselves at a crossroads as they aim to salvage their season.
