Myles Garrett Calls for Browns’ Defensive Turnaround After Loss to Steelers
Cleveland, OH – October 13, 2025
In the wake of a disappointing 23-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett didn’t mince words. Following a game where the Steelers’ defense overwhelmed rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, Garrett’s frustration was evident when he shared a three-word message that captured the mood in the locker room: "Must be nice."
The comment, while brief, speaks volumes about Garrett’s feelings after witnessing the stark contrast between the two teams’ defensive performances. While the Steelers sacked Gabriel six times, the Browns’ defense failed to record a single sack against veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The disparity was glaring, especially for a defense that prides itself on getting to the quarterback.
A Tale of Two Defenses
Garrett’s frustration stems from a defense that, on paper, should have been able to dominate. With playmakers like Garrett, who has been one of the league’s most feared pass rushers, and a defensive line that has proven its ability in previous seasons, the Browns’ defensive struggles against the Steelers are a bitter pill to swallow.
Rodgers, who has been known for his composure under pressure, had little trouble operating behind a line that kept him clean throughout the game. In contrast, Gabriel, in just his second start, was under constant duress, never getting a chance to settle into any rhythm. But while the Steelers’ defense was wreaking havoc on Gabriel’s backfield, the Browns’ defense seemed unable to apply similar pressure on Rodgers, who threw for 260 yards and a touchdown without breaking a sweat.
Garrett’s Call to Action
Garrett, known for his leadership and on-field dominance, didn’t shy away from the reality of the situation. His "Must be nice" comment to reporters served as an implicit challenge to his teammates. “If they can get to the quarterback, so can we,” Garrett said, adding that it’s frustrating to watch another team dominate in areas that the Browns have built their identity around. He called out the Browns' defense to not just rest on their potential but to show up and execute.
“We’ve got the talent,” Garrett continued. “Now it’s about executing, and it’s time to put up or shut up.” These words serve as a wake-up call to a defense that, despite boasting elite talent, has failed to live up to expectations in key moments this season.
Turning the Page
The Browns now sit at 1-5, and their playoff hopes are beginning to slip away as the weeks go by. The loss to the Steelers highlighted many of the issues that have plagued the team this year: inconsistency on both sides of the ball, a lack of urgency, and an inability to capitalize on critical moments.
Garrett’s candid frustration is a sign that the players are aware of the stakes. If the Browns are to turn their season around, it will need to start with a defensive revival — one that will require Garrett and the rest of the unit to show up with the intensity and dominance that was missing against the Steelers.
With the season slipping away, Garrett’s call to action isn’t just a personal challenge; it’s a rallying cry for the entire team. The Browns’ defense must find its identity again, starting with their star pass rusher. For a team that has underperformed to this point, there’s no more time to waste. The Browns’ playoff hopes depend on it.
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