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Pittsburgh Steelers: What if Myles Garrett actually gets to Ben Roethlisberger?

By Noah Strackbein

Apr 28, 2017; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns number one pick defensive lineman Myles Garrett talks to the media at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2017; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns number one pick defensive lineman Myles Garrett talks to the media at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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No. 1 overall pick, Myles Garrett, made it known that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, was the player he wanted to get to this season.

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After being selected first overall, Garrett let the AFC North know that Big Ben was his primary target, answering his name when asked who the division quarterback he wanted to sack most was. Well, what if he actually gets to Ben this season?

He won’t. Plain and simple. The problem with Garrett wanting to get to Roethlisberger is he made it known. Now, he combines an already superstar offensive line to with the motivation of a rookie calling them out.

Instead of focusing their attention on the entire Cleveland pass rush, one that is not very strong, to begin with, Pittsburgh’s o-line turn their attention to making sure Garrett never even sees the backfield.

Much like former first-round draftee, Phil Taylor, who also said Big Ben was the one he wanted to rattle, Garrett now has a lot to live up to. For Taylor, the defensive tackle out of Baylor, he did make it to Roethlisberger during the rookie season. Unfortunately, it was after Ben released the ball and concluded with Taylor slapping Roethlisberger’s helmet costing him a $15,000 fine.

Pittsburgh shouldn’t even be worried about Garrett. Outside of the first-overall pick, Cleveland’s top pass rusher is likely Jamie Collins. Emmanuel Ogbah and Shelton Danny combine for 7.5 sacks last season. Although for two players that’s not a terrible mark, it’s not impressive enough to put more than minimum focus on the two defensive linemen outside of Garrett.

“I was talking to (Maurkice Pouncey) after Garrett called me out,” Roethlisberger told the Post-Gazette. “Pounce got a big kick out of it. All of my linemen enjoyed hearing it. They can’t wait to get started. I can’t either.”

That’s all this is to Pittsburgh. Some kid feeling confident because he’s the top draft pick. Sorry, but plenty of players with names just as big as Garrett’s have gone first overall and did nothing with their career. Not that Garrett won’t become a superstar in this league, but until he proves himself he’s on the same level as the other 486 players drafted.

Garret could win defensive rookie of the year, break records and lead the league in sacks this season, but chances are, he doesn’t find Big Ben once. Alejandro Villanueva and the rest of the offensive line will almost guarantee it.

Expect Myles Garrett to have a great season. He’s someone the Browns should be confident about moving forward. Don’t expect him to get to Roethlisberger, though.

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It’s not that he’s not talented enough. It’s just something you don’t make public and expect to accomplish. Now, all eyes, heads, and bodies are focused on one thing when Big Ben drops back to pass.

Sorry Myles, but you’re not going to beat an entire offensive line looking to make sure you alone does not find their quarterback.

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