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Kenny Pickett tells Cleveland media the recipe that the Pittsburgh Steelers use when going up against Browns DE Myles Garrett

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 8:31 PM ET

Every time the Pittsburgh Steelers face off against the Cleveland Browns in the AFC North, it’s no secret that the No. 1 goal is to slow down Myles Garrett.

Garrett has the ability to wreck a game coming off the edge, and he’s had plenty of success against the Steelers throughout his career.

With Kenny Pickett and Diontae Johnson now on the Browns’ roster, this season’s matchups between the two teams promise to be even more intriguing. During Wednesday’s media availability, Pickett was asked how the Steelers used to approach defending Garrett.

“You’re gonna get four hands on him at all times, you know, especially on third downs,” Pickett said. “You’re sliding, you’re chipping, you’re putting two men on him. And that just affects everything in the passing game because it takes away an underneath route, where guys can start dropping into second-level and third-level throws.

“He’s truly a game-wrecker type of player when it comes to game planning. You always have to know where 95 is and have a plan for him.”

Nothing Pickett said was particularly surprising—it’s the approach many teams take, using double teams to try and contain Garrett. Cleveland’s defensive identity will continue to center around its front, now bolstered by the additions of Mason Graham and Maliek Collins alongside Garrett.

The Steelers might even get a chance to go up against their former first-rounder, Pickett, if he starts either of the times the two teams meet this season. He’s one of four quarterbacks in contention to win the starting job for Cleveland in 2025.

Regardless of who lines up under center, the Steelers’ No. 1 task will be slowing down Garrett. In 14 career games against Pittsburgh, the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year has recorded 13 sacks and four forced fumbles.

It’s interesting that Pickett gave some insight into how the Steelers used to view Garrett. But don’t expect that to give Cleveland any sort of edge—Garrett is used to being double-teamed. What may be more notable is that the question came from Cleveland’s media.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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