The Cleveland Browns have responded to Myles Garrett’s comments following Sunday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, in which the All-Pro pass-rusher seemed fed up with the team’s effort.
Garrett didn’t mince words following the 23-9 loss to their AFC North rival, expressing his frustration after the team fell to 1-5.
“To lose the same way every time, it’s frustrating as hell,” Garrett said.
Garrett also responded with a simple “yep” when asked if he was struggling to find motivation to keep pressing, given the losses piling up.
Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz was asked about Garrett’s critical statements on Thursday and backed his star pass-rusher.
“Myles is one of our key players and he certainly has a voice and his opinion,” Schwartz said. “Anyone who wants to stand behind their statements and speak up — I don’t see any issue with that.”
Myles Garrett Demanded Trade, Wants to Compete for Super Bowl
Garrett’s comments drew extra attention because of his offseason trade demand. The former Defensive Player of the Year asked to be moved, citing he wanted to compete for a Super Bowl.
“While I’ve loved calling this city my home, my desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won’t allow me to be complacent,” he said in his trade demand on social media. “The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl.”
Garrett eventually agreed to a four-year, $160 million extension to remain with the Browns. But Cleveland is closer to competing for the No. 1 overall pick than sniffing the playoffs.
The quarterback situation remains unresolved, with rookie Dillon Gabriel being the latest passer to get a shot. The Browns’ offense is averaging less than 14 points per game, putting pressure on the Cleveland defense to be nearly perfect every week.
Browns DE Myles Garrett Shut Out Again
Garrett had four sacks over the first three weeks. However, he’s been shut out of the sack column for three straight games. Schwartz said it has to do with quarterbacks getting the ball out quickly, noting Steelers veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers did it very efficiently. Schwartz did not see many plays where Garrett missed an opportunity.
“In that game, we had some really good rushes, but the ball was just coming fast,” Schwartz said. “But there are two sides to that. It takes away the big strike ability of the offense. Not just Myles, but our front four had some really good pass rushes.”
Despite his lack of sacks, Garrett remains one of the most impactful defensive players in the NFL. His PFF grade of 91.4 is third among edge rushers.
Garrett’s and the Browns face the struggling Miami Dolphins this week. He’ll go up against Patrick Paul, who understands the challenge he’s up against.
“He’s an excellent player, and I’m really excited to go against him,” Paul said. “You could watch him, a tackle could be in a great position, and he still wins. He’s a very, very good football player, so this is going to be really fun and I’m very excited.”
Cleveland is a 2.5-point home favorite for the matchup, per ESPN BET.
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