The NFL season is rounding its first corner, and every game from here on out begins to carry playoff weight. Mike Tomlin and his Pittsburgh Steelers are in a good position to make a sprint toward the Week 18 finish line, but that run begins right now. Sitting at the top of the AFC North feels good—but let’s be honest—it’s been given, not fully earned.
Quarterback health has been the biggest storyline in the division, and with Myles Garrett and the Cleveland Browns rolling into town, the Steelers must protect their most valuable asset: Aaron Rodgers.
At 41 years old, Rodgers doesn’t dance around the pocket like he once did. His game now relies more on instinct, experience, and precision than mobility. That’s fine—it’s what great veterans do—but his offensive line must return the favor by keeping him upright. Rodgers can’t deliver dimes if he’s flat on his back.
Through five games, Pittsburgh’s offensive line has been serviceable, ranking 16th in the league in sacks allowed (9). It’s a respectable mark, but if this team truly wants to make a playoff push, that number must improve—especially when facing one of the league’s premier pass rushers.
Enter Myles Garrett.
The Cleveland Browns’ All-Pro defensive end has been terrorizing quarterbacks since entering the league. His blend of power, speed, and technique is unmatched, and his 106.5 career sacks speak for themselves. This season, Garrett already has four sacks, tied for ninth in the league. When he’s on, he’s unstoppable—and the Steelers can’t afford to let him find that rhythm.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must keep neutralize Myles Garrett during a must win Week 6 battle
If there’s a silver lining, it’s that Garrett has been uncharacteristically quiet the past two weeks. He failed to record a sack against both the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings. That’s no accident. Those two teams executed smart offensive game plans, using quick releases, chip blocks, and double teams to neutralize Garrett’s impact.
The Steelers need to study that film carefully.
Detroit and Minnesota didn’t try to eliminate Garrett from the field—they limited him by respecting his presence and designing plays that worked around his strengths. Short passes, misdirection, and consistent help from tight ends and running backs in protection made the difference. It’s the kind of plan that Arthur Smith and Pittsburgh’s offensive staff must adopt.
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Because here’s the truth: when Garrett gets loose, he changes games. His four sacks this year have come against teams like Cincinnati and Baltimore—two offensive lines that have struggled to keep their quarterbacks clean. Pittsburgh cannot afford to join that list.
If the Steelers want to keep their winning streak alive and strengthen their grip on the AFC North, it starts with neutralizing Myles Garrett. Protecting Rodgers isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity.
This Week 6 matchup isn’t about flash or style. It’s about grit, discipline, and execution. If the Steelers’ offensive line can keep Garrett quiet, Rodgers will have time to operate, the run game will open up, and Pittsburgh will give itself the best chance to win.
Because in the AFC North, survival begins in the trenches—and keeping Myles Garrett contained could be the key to staying on top.