Myles Garrett
DE Myles Garrett’s presence on the field greatly impacted the Steelers’ offensive approach, forcing QB Aaron Rodgers to throw quick checkdown passes to avoid pressure from Garrett or other members of the Browns’ defensive line.
“I think Myles affects every single game,” Stefanski said following the game. “Obviously he shows up in the stat sheet in a bunch of different areas, but even the things you don’t see – how they have to play the game, I mean, they have to play an empty the entire game and chip both sides. Those are two eligibles that aren’t getting out on the route immediately. So, it affects how teams play us.”
Garrett finished the game with one tackle and one quarterback hit against the Steelers. However, his presence on the field and the attention focused on Garrett created opportunities for his teammates, including S Grant Delpit and DE Alex Wright to each sack Rodgers. Wright’s sack forced a long field goal attempt from Chris Boswell at the start the fourth quarter that went wide right and allowed the Browns to keep their 10-6 lead.
Harold Fannin Jr.
TE Harold Fannin Jr. added a critical score for the Browns in the first quarter, one which gave the Browns a 10-0 lead and would be the only touchdown scored throughout the game.
As QB Shedeur Sanders looked downfield for an open man, he saw Fannin around the 10-yard line with some space between him and two Steelers’ defenders. He launched the ball 27 yards into the air, which Fannin adjusted to where the ball was falling and caught the pass, rolling into the end zone for the 28-yard touchdown reception.
“That was an incredible job adjusting to that football,” Stefanski said. “It was a good read by Shedeur, then to get in the end zone was great.”
He sustained a groin injury on the touchdown reception, which ultimately ruled him out for the remainder of the game. Fannin finished the game with two receptions for 30 yards and the touchdown.