DE Myles Garrett (10.10.25)
Myles, can you first address two big name guys being traded this week? Joe Flacco and then Greg Newsome. How did you feel about both of those moves?
“I mean surprised. Like everyone was surprised about the news, especially for Greg since it happened so late in the evening. This organization is, you know, committed to winning, and trying to find a way to win, and going player for a player, they’re trying to go for someone that they feel I guess suits our style a little bit better and makes the defense better on however he can by bringing his skill set. We’ll always have love for G New (Greg Newsome II), loved going to work with him, loved being his teammate. He always had a smile on his face. He was always optimistic and we’ll definitely miss that, and hope he does well out there in Jacksonville.”
So just to clarify then, you don’t think either of those trades signals like anything like oh, we’re waving the white flag on the season and winning is still at the forefront?
“No, I think winning is definitely still at the forefront of what we want to do. And I think being a player for player, trying to add someone who will come in here and have immediate effect with what his skill set brings.”
What role do you sort of play when a guy comes in late in the week to kind of get him acclimated as quickly as possible so he can help you on Sunday?
“I don’t. I’ve seen him like once outside of the field, like they had him bring his bags in the locker room, and he was on the field like 30 minutes later, so. And whenever we get the time where life slows down for a little bit, hopefully tomorrow, we can talk about the game, getting to know each other, my style, his style, and we can start to integrate him in that way. But I know the DBs and the coaches are trying to get him up to speed and let him know how we do things, what’s the scheme out here.”
In a game like this one. New guys and the rookies, I know they go through the history of this rivalry in this building. But as someone who’s been in many of these games, what do you say to a guy like Dillon Gabriel who’s going to get his first opportunity at this, guys like Quinshon (Judkins), Mason (Graham) things that you can tell them to prepare them for what we know is going to be a hostile environment?
“It’s not going to be pretty. All that matters is that you get the win. We have been through a lot of gritty, grimy matchups with these guys. And it’s a rivalry for a reason. But you know, we’ve taken the ball away five, six times, ended up with a tie, taking the ball away five, six times and won a huge playoff game. I think, you know, vice versa has happened where they’ve got the best of us and we won the turnover margin. Now, turnovers are one of the most important things, but it’s not everything, you know, just play confidently, play your game, trust in your teammates and we’ll support you. Don’t worry about playing the cleanest game or the perfect game. Just worry about the next play and how you can make the most of it.”
Do you personally get any extra hate in Pittsburgh as compared to any other road stadium?
“For sure. And I love it.”
Do you have more to say?
“Nah, just, you know, that kind of stuff fuels me. I love the chance. I love to talk. That’s part of the game. That’s what makes the game special.”
Since you’re a music guy, we heard Renegade playing out there today. What goes through your head when you hear that song?
“Made a lot of big plays before that song was played and after it’s been played. And I’ve loved the song forever, so it just adds more of a history to it. You know, thinking back on some of the memories are now wrapped around that song. So I still love Styx.”
I don’t remember you guys ever playing that before during Steeler week. Is that a new one?
“David’s (Njoku) been playing it all day, so I’m pretty sure that was his idea. But yeah, it gets me juiced.”
What about the fact that you guys haven’t won a regular season game there since ’03? I mean, like to end that streak there, what would that mean to you or anything like that?
“Winning in general would mean a lot. Doesn’t matter where it is or who it is. Right now we need to get a win desperately, and there’s got to be a sense of urgency with everybody. Now, is there some history behind it? I’m sure but behind any win or loss you can go back and find, but we want to beat these guys and there’s definitely layers to it, but the most basic of that is we need one.”
And what are you seeing on film of Aaron Rodgers so far? What is he doing so well this season for them?
“Commanding the offense efficiently, getting out smoothly and quickly. Not allowing any penalties, nothing post-snap, nothing pre-snap, and just slowly marching their way downfield, taking up time of possession, and just getting it out to their playmakers.”
Do you know him at all?
“No.”
And Jim (Schwartz) was talking yesterday about the importance of not falling for the hard count, because he can turn it into big plays. I know get off is such a big deal for you, how do you balance that against a guy that kind of majors in that?
“I’m still taking my chances. You got to be smart in the situation in which you do, and can’t allow them to take advantage of that. And if someone does, unfortunately, jump offsides, you got to finish the play. But you can’t let someone’s style of play hold you hostage or make you back off. You got to be who you are.”
Myles, you don’t ever want to get a penalty, but is the occasional offsides for you the cost of doing business?
“Absolutely. It’s part of the game. You know, if it’s second-and-12 and I get a five-yard penalty, they’re still going to throw the ball, unless it’s the (Baltimore) Ravens. So, I’m taking my chances because we’re still going to be in a position to have a rush opportunity and get off the field and take the ball away.”
Do Jim and Kevin share that same belief with you?
“Yeah. No, I mean, they prefer I stay on side, prefer I’d be 100% with that. But if it’s a five-yard penalty or he gets a great jump and gets a takeaway, they lean takeaway.”
You kind of had your tiffs back and forth between you and T.J. (Watt) in the past, in the media and other things. Does it give you any extra juice going into the game? I mean, obviously you’re not facing him.
“I haven’t had any tiffs with T.J. Y’ all have had tiffs with T.J., and ran with it, but I haven’t had any problem with them. And knowing his brother, I have a lot of respect for all three of them. So, I mean, it’s a hell of an honor, and a privilege to be able to play this game at this level, especially at the level in which we do. So, I have nothing but respect for the way he does things.”
How about with Aaron and other quarterbacks just trying to get rid of the ball so quickly. What can you do to make the impact that you want to make? When they’re quick gaming, you guys all the time?
“Win quicker. At the end of the day, they’re going to throw the ball quick, we got to win quick. We got to put offensive lineman in his lap, got to make him uncomfortable sitting right there in the pocket, not setting back. And eventually we’re going to start taking away those short throws, those short intermediates. So, there’ll be opportunities to make plays, we just got to make sure it’s there. You know, third and longs, he can’t be settling for less. So, we got to put him in those situations.”
What would it mean to add a four-time MVP like Rodgers to your list of guys you sacked?
“I mean, he’s a great one. He’ll probably get propped up a little bit higher than some of the others. But yeah, it’d be an honor to put him in the graveyard, and definitely a lot of respect for what he’s done in his career, because he’s special.”
Do you have a ranking with the graveyard? Like a top five list, top ten list?
“Top five list, top ten list? I’m sure Pat (Patrick Mahomes) will be on there, Ben (Roethlisberger) would be on there, (Tom) Brady would be on there. Let’s see. I think one day (Justin) Herbert will be in there. He’s going to be a Hall of Famer one day, but after that I don’t know. I don’t remember all the names I’ve sacked, I’m just worried about the next one.”
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