The Pittsburgh Steelers play in one of the better divisions in the NFL as the AFC North has sent multiple teams to the postseason in each of the last five seasons. The teams within the division do not like each other very much, and there is often jabs thrown between organizations. The respectful rivalry is between Pittsburgh and the Baltimore Ravens, while the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns try to keep themselves relevant by talking trash. This happens during the season and in the offseason, and Cleveland has had some things to say about Pittsburgh's newest addition at quarterback.
MATT STARKEY / CLEVELAND BROWNS
Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett (95) during a game against the New Orleans Saints.
Pittsburgh has been linked to four-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers since the start of free agency back in March, and all signs have been pointing towards the veteran quarterback eventually signing with the Steelers. He made things official over the weekend after the end of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) as he signed his one-year deal. Since then, opposing players and coaches within the division have been giving their thoughts. Most remarks have been respectful and insightful, while players in Cleveland have had their fun. This was seen as Myles Garrett spoke to the media on Tuesday.
"I think it's good opportunity to put him in the graveyard," Garrett said.
Garrett is talking about his Halloween graveyard that he sets up in his front yard every year. He puts the jerseys of quarterbacks that he has sacked up, and he is implying that he is going to add Rodgers to that group during the 2025 season. Garrett's teammate Greg Newsome II also spoke about the Rodgers' addition, as he stated that he would intercept Rodgers in both regular season games in 2025.
The players in Cleveland talk a lot for a team that has accomplished next to nothing. The team went 3-14 during the 2024 season, and for some reason, the players with the Browns think they have a chance in the AFC North. Rodgers might be the oldest player in the league, but he gives Pittsburgh a better chance to win than any of the quarterbacks on the roster in Cleveland.
Adam Hunger / ap photo
Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers celebrates a touchdown during a home game in the 2024 NFL season.
Garrett has only played in two games against Rodgers in his career, and both contests came when Rodgers was with the Green Bay Packers. In total, Garrett has registered five combined tackles when going against a Rodgers-led offense. For reference, and to address the positional rivalry between Garrett and Pittsburgh's star outside linebacker TJ Watt, Watt has registered eight combined tackles, three sacks, and a fumble recovery during his two performances against Rodgers when he was in Green Bay.
Now that Garrett and Newsome have each called their shot, Pittsburgh will be playing for a bit more during its two slated contests against Cleveland in 2025. Garrett is one of the best defenders in the league and he will be hard to contain, but Pittsburgh must do so in order for Rodgers and the offense to succeed.
Steelers Will Be Fresh For First Contest Against Myles Garrett And The Browns In 2025
The Steelers have their bye week earlier in the 2025 season, which most teams do not like. However, in this instance, it could be a good thing as Pittsburgh will take on back-to-back divisional opponents after the bye week in Week 5. The Steelers will host the Browns in Week 6 and then travel to take on the Bengals in Cincinnati in Week 7.
Winslow Townson / AP photo
Cleveland Browns fans wear bags on their heads during a brutally bad season.
It is always tough playing divisional opponents in back-to-back weeks, but the Steelers should be set up well for the two-game stretch thanks to the bye week. Pittsburgh will have plenty of time to prepare for Garrett and the rest of the Browns' defense, which should set the franchise up well to secure the victory.
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