Myles Garrett Blames Steelers Fans' Unbearable Noise for Browns' Loss: 'It Threw Us Off'
Pittsburgh, PA – October 13, 2025
In a stunning post-game interview, Cleveland Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett didn't mince words when explaining the Browns' tough 28-17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Garrett, who has been a dominant force on defense this season, pointed to an unexpected source of frustration: the deafening noise from Steelers fans.
"The noise in Pittsburgh was unbearable," Garrett said, his frustration evident. "The fans’ constant screaming threw off our focus, and honestly, it’s a big reason we couldn’t execute. We let the noise get to us, and it cost us the game."
While it's not unusual for road teams to be affected by hostile crowds, Garrett’s comments were a bold reflection of just how much the Pittsburgh Steelers' infamous home-field advantage impacted the Browns in this critical AFC North matchup. The Steelers’ fans, known for their raucous energy, were on full display as they created an atmosphere that Garrett and the Browns couldn’t seem to shake.
The Cleveland defense, which had been in stellar form early in the season, struggled to keep pace with Pittsburgh’s offense, allowing 28 points and several key third-down conversions. Garrett, who is typically a force in disrupting the pocket, was noticeably less impactful, with only one sack and two tackles for loss. The offense, meanwhile, could not find its rhythm, as Baker Mayfield and the Browns’ attack were frequently disrupted by the Steelers' defense and the overwhelming crowd noise.
While Garrett did not shy away from placing part of the blame on the external factors, he also acknowledged that the Browns need to improve their mental toughness in such situations. "We have to be better at blocking out distractions. It’s part of the game, but at the end of the day, we let that crowd affect us more than we should have," Garrett continued.
This loss is another bitter reminder for the Browns, who have now fallen to a 1-5 record this season, struggling to get their season back on track after high expectations. Despite some strong individual performances from players like Garrett and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., the Browns' inability to handle hostile environments, particularly in divisional matchups, is proving to be a consistent issue.
Looking forward, Garrett and the Browns know they must learn from this experience. "It's a tough loss, but we can’t let this define us. We know what we’re capable of," Garrett said. "Next time, we’ll be ready for the noise, the distractions, and we won’t let it take us out of the game."
As for Steelers fans, Garrett’s words will likely serve as fuel for their already passionate fanbase, who will undoubtedly take pride in their ability to impact the game beyond the field. But for the Browns, the loss to their division rival is a wake-up call that their mental resilience — as much as their physical abilities — will need to be sharpened if they are to contend in the AFC North.
Browns Insider Down Trade Rumors on $54.75M Star Offensive Weapon
The Cleveland Browns have been active in the trade market, but it appears they won’t be trading one impact offensive weapon.
Cleveland has already dealt Joe Flacco and Greg Newsome II and could look to trade off more pieces before the trade deadline. However, Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot reported on X that Cleveland is unlikely to trade star tight end David Njoku.
“The #Browns will likely make more trades, but are not looking to sell off key players such as TE David Njoku. (But they also didn’t plan to trade Joe Flacco or Greg Newsome II),” Cabot wrote.
Njoku is in the final year of his four-year, $54.75 million deal with the Browns. With him being a pending free agent, many thought his name could come up in trade talks. Especially with rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. in line to get more snaps.
But, according to Cabot, Cleveland doesn’t want to trade Njoku, and the tight end should finish off the year with the Browns.
Njoku has recorded 23 receptions for 223 yards and 1 touchdown this season.
Njoku Suffers Injury in Week 6
Cleveland did get some bad news about Njoku on Sunday as the star tight end suffered an injury.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski revealed postgame on Sunday that Njoku suffered an injury to his knee, and not his thigh as initially reported. It’s unclear the severity of the injury.
Before exiting the game with an injury, Njoku finished the game with three catches for 28 yards on six targets. The star tight end has been a safety blanket for rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, but if Njoku does miss some time, Fannin Jr. will have to step up.
Fannin Jr. was selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft by Cleveland. He’s recorded 28 receptions for 254 yards and a touchdown this season.
Browns Offense Needs to be Better
Cleveland suffered a 23-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday in a game the Browns failed to score a touchdown. It was a disappointing result for the offense.
Following the game, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski made it clear the offense has to get better and find ways to get into the end zone.
“We’ve got to find a way to score points. We’ve got to run the ball efficiently,” Stefanski said. “Got to find a way to be better in the pass game. All of the above.. We’re doing some things right now that are preventing us from winning. We’ll get it fixed.”
Cleveland will host the Miami Dolphins in Week 7.
Stefanski Could Give Up Play-Calling
Following Cleveland’s failure to find the endzone, the Browns could make a major change on offense.
Stefanski revealed he’s considering giving up the offensive play-calling in hopes it sparks the offense.
“Stefanski said ‘there’s a long list of things we gotta do better’ in an answer that included potentially changing play-callers,” Zac Jackson of The Athletic reported via X.
If Stefanski does give up play-calling, offensive coordinator Tommy Rees would likely call the offensive plays. Rees spent last season as Cleveland’s Pass game specialist and tight ends coach after he was the Alabama Crimson Tide’s offensive coordinator in 2023.
