Myles Garrett Dominates With Three Sacks Against Steelers

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett demonstrated his unstoppable force by sacking Russell Wilson in the first half of Thursday Night Football. His performance was fueled by past tensions with Pittsburgh  linebacker T.J. Watt, showcasing his power and skill. By halftime, the Browns led 10-3, with Garrett’s dominance on the field undeniable.

Myles Garrett’s First Half Dominance

Garrett racked up three sacks, including a strip sack, leaving quarterback Russell Wilson under constant pressure. Garrett’s ability to disrupt  the Steelers’ offense  was evident. He also recorded four tackles, a quarterback hit, and a fumble that set up a field goal for the Browns. His fiery play  undoubtedly sparked the Browns’ defensive momentum in the game.

Garrett’s third sack of the night came with a cheeky celebration, a “coronation” after taking down Wilson, as the crowd cheered on the reigning 2023 Defensive Player of the Year. His performance was a clear statement that he wasn’t letting any doubts about his DPOY status slide, especially after remarks about Pittsburgh linebacker T.J. Watt, who was vocal about losing the award last year. Garrett’s remarks leading up to the game indicated he was carrying a chip on his shoulder, and his actions on the field confirmed it.

The Battle Between Garrett and T.J. Watt: A Rivalry Ignited

Ahead of Thursday’s game, Garrett made headlines with comments  regarding T.J. Watt’s response to last year’s Defensive Player of the Year race. Garrett stated he had no complaints about the trophy being awarded to him and suggested that Watt should “apologize” when they meet. Given Garrett’s fiery remarks, it was clear he was motivated  to prove his worth once again on the field. His first-half performance, including his three sacks and forced fumble, only added to the intensity  of the rivalry between the two defensive stars. Garrett’s sack total showcased his dominance, putting Watt on notice as the defensive powerhouse of the night.

Browns Defense Powers Cleveland to a 10-3 Halftime Lead

Garrett wasn’t the only one making an impact for the Browns. Cleveland’s defense as a whole contributed significantly to the team’s halftime lead. The Browns managed to keep the Steelers’ offense at bay, forcing them into multiple missed opportunities, including a missed 58-yard field goal by kicker Chris Boswell. The Steelers also turned the ball over on downs after Garrett and Grant Delpit stopped a crucial fourth-and-2 attempt.

Meanwhile, Browns quarterback Jameis Winston, despite being new to the rivalry, stepped up with solid play, going 9-of-11 for 78 yards in the first half. With support from running back Nick Chubb, who had a 2-yard touchdown run, and wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, who caught three passes for 39 yards, the Browns took a 10-3 lead into halftime, capitalizing on both offensive and defensive plays.

Steelers Struggle in the First Half

The Steelers’ offense  struggled to capitalize on their opportunities in the first half. Although they crossed midfield on their first three possessions, they only came away with three points. Wilson was efficient, completing 11 of 13 passes for 147 yards, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Browns’ defense. Despite strong contributions from receivers Calvin Austin and George Pickens, who combined for 87 receiving yards, the Steelers failed to convert their chances into more points, leaving them trailing by a touchdown at halftime.

A Classic Rivalry in the Making

In the end, the Browns’ defense, along with crucial plays from Winston, Chubb, and Jeudy, helped secure a 24-19 victory over the Steelers. The game lived up to its historic rivalry, with Garrett’s dominant performance and Winston’s leadership setting the tone for Cleveland’s win. The Browns’ defense, especially Garrett, played a pivotal role  in dismantling the Steelers’ offense, while the offense did just enough to hold on for the win. This classic matchup further cemented Garrett’s status as one of the NFL’s premier defensive players.