Myles Garrett Blasts Teammates After Browns’ Crushing Defeat to Steelers: “Must Be Nice”
Pittsburgh, PA – The AFC North rivalry boiled over into raw frustration on Sunday, as Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett unleashed pointed criticism toward his struggling squad following a disheartening 23-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. The defeat marked the Browns’ 22nd straight regular-season setback in Pittsburgh, dropping them to a dismal 1-5 record and intensifying questions about the team’s direction just six weeks into the 2025 season.

For Garrett, a perennial All-Pro who’s anchored Cleveland’s defense since 2017, the game was a painful reminder of unfulfilled potential. Despite his individual efforts – including two assisted tackles – the Browns’ pass rush failed to register a single sack on Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who orchestrated a balanced attack that exposed Cleveland’s offensive woes. With the Steelers improving to 5-1 and solidifying their divisional lead, the postgame tension highlighted deeper fissures within the Browns’ locker room.
A Nightmare in the Steel City: Browns’ Losing Streak Extends
Acrisure Stadium has long been a house of horrors for Cleveland, where they’ve now lost 22 consecutive regular-season games dating back to 2004. Sunday’s affair was no different: the Browns’ offense, led by rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, managed just 241 total yards and three field goals, averaging a paltry 4.3 yards per pass attempt. Pittsburgh’s defense, buoyed by a stifling front seven, forced two turnovers and held Cleveland to under 100 rushing yards – a stark contrast to the Steelers’ efficient ground game that chewed up 142 yards on 28 carries.
Garrett, who entered the matchup with 23 tackles and four sacks on the season, was visibly contained, his pressure on Rodgers neutralized by Pittsburgh’s quick protections and chip blocks. The game’s turning point came in the third quarter, when a Steelers field goal extended their lead to 16-6, allowing their pass rushers – including T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith – to tee off in a two-possession cushion. As the crowd chanted “T.J.’s better,” the frustration mounted for a Browns defense that’s ranked 18th in points allowed (24.8 per game) despite Garrett’s elite presence.

Garrett’s Breaking Point: Blame Shifts to Offense and Teammates
The 29-year-old superstar, fresh off a record-setting four-year, $160 million extension that ended his offseason trade request, didn’t hold back in the locker room or media scrum. His comments, laced with sarcasm and exasperation, squarely targeted the Browns’ anemic scoring – a recurring theme in their five losses, where they’ve averaged just 12.4 points per game. “It’s frustrating to lose the same way every time, with the offense not scoring,” Garrett said, per Browns beat reporter Scott Petrak, underscoring a sentiment echoed by teammates like linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.
The real barb came when asked about watching Pittsburgh’s rushers swarm Rodgers with a comfortable lead. In a moment captured on video and going viral with over 1 million views on X, Garrett quipped: “Must be nice.” The three-word zinger, delivered with a wry smile but unmistakable edge, drew immediate backlash from Pittsburgh fans and speculation about internal discord. Analysts on ESPN’s SportsCenter called it a “subtle but searing indictment” of Cleveland’s inability to sustain drives, leaving the defense exposed in obvious passing situations.
Garrett’s frustration isn’t new – he voiced similar concerns after a 41-17 blowout to the Ravens in Week 2 – but the Steelers loss amplified it. Signed to lead a contender, he’s instead toiling on a team that’s surrendered 149 points across five defeats, with the offense ranking dead last in red-zone efficiency (42.1% TD rate).
Fallout in Cleveland: Trade Rumors Reignite, Stefanski Under Fire
Garrett’s remarks have reignited trade speculation, with outlets like CBS Sports linking him to contenders such as the Detroit Lions or Philadelphia Eagles, where his 106 career sacks could fetch a haul of draft picks. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, facing heat after back-to-back losing seasons, hinted at “big offensive changes” in his Monday presser, potentially eyeing a QB switch from Gabriel amid whispers of veteran signings.
Teammates rallied in support: cornerback Denzel Ward posted on X, “One game at a time, Dawg. We got you,” while Owusu-Koramoah added, “Myles speaks truth – time to execute.” Yet, the locker room vibe feels fractured, with anonymous sources telling The Athletic that “frustration is boiling over” after a promising 2024 playoff berth devolved into early-season chaos.
For Pittsburgh, the win – powered by Rodgers’ 278 yards and two scores – cements Mike Tomlin’s ironclad 18-0 home record against Cleveland. Steelers DE T.J. Watt, Garrett’s perennial foil, trolled postgame: “All love, but yeah… it is nice.”
Path Forward: Browns’ Desperate Bid for Redemption
With a Week 7 home date against the Miami Dolphins looming, Cleveland must rally to avoid a third straight sub-.500 finish under Stefanski. Garrett, a six-time Pro Bowler and 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, remains the franchise cornerstone, but his patience appears thin. “We’re better than this,” he told reporters, pivoting to resolve. “But words mean nothing without action.”
As the Browns limp forward, Garrett’s candor serves as both wake-up call and warning: elite talent alone can’t salvage a sinking ship. In the cutthroat AFC North, where Pittsburgh eyes a deep run, Cleveland’s season hangs by a thread – and their star’s breaking point.
This article was last updated on October 13, 2025. For ongoing Browns-Steelers rivalry coverage and AFC North updates, follow our NFL analysis.
Key Takeaways from Myles Garrett’s Postgame Blast:
- Game Stats: Browns 9-23 loss; 0 sacks, 241 total yards; Steelers’ 22nd straight home win over CLE.
- Garrett’s Line: “Must be nice” on Steelers’ pass rush; “Frustrating to lose the same way every time.”
- Team Record: Browns 1-5; offense averaging 12.4 PPG in losses.
- Next Up: vs. Miami Dolphins, Week 7 (October 20, 2025).