Myles Garrett vs Mason Rudolph

Myles Garrett vs Mason RudolphJason Miller/Getty Images

Posted By: County Sports Network February 17, 2020

Myles Garrett vs Mason Rudolph

So, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph called the assertion by Myles Garrett that the Browns defensive end called him the N-word in the teams’ game on Nov. 14 at Cleveland “a bold-faced lie.”

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Hmmm. OK.

What is, specifically, a “bold-faced lie?” Is it worse than a regular lie?

Is it worse than the lie Rudolph may – or may not – be perpetuating by saying that he is “1,000 percent” sure he did not make that racial slur?

Garrett can’t prove that Rudolph used the N-word on him. But at the same time, Rudolph has no proof that he didn’t say it.

This is, as I have made the point all along, the classic he-said, he-said, with one man’s word of honor being weighed against that of another man. Who is to say who’s telling the truth? Only Garrett and Rudolph really know, and they both claim they are, which is … well, a lie.

But to contend that Garrett is wrong about the N-word claim … because, because, because he’s a mean, ol’ defensive end from the rival Browns, is as stupid as contending that Rudolph is wrong because he’s a quarterback from the rival Steelers. Both guys have culpability here, which is what so many people are trying to say.

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Garrett stupidly ripped off Rudolph’s helmet and smashed him in the head with it because he lost his cool. But this happened after Rudolph started the whole thing by grabbing the face mask of Garrett’s helmet and twisting it – with Garrett still wearing it – because he was upset that the Steelers were going to lose the game 21-7 and also because the Cleveland defense had pounded him the whole night.

Rudolph may have also been upset that Garrett was still playing hard. But Rudolph was still playing hard. He was passing the ball instead of just grabbing it and taking a knee to run out the clock and go home. If Rudolph didn’t want to be hit, then his line should have blocked better.

Look, Myles Garrett was in the wrong for what he did. Duh! Everybody knows that, and he has said it countless times. I just wish that Mason Rudolph would be honest about his part in this as well.

I am 1,000 percent sure that that will never, ever happen in a billion years.

Updated in 2025:

🏈 Mason Rudolph’s 2025 Season — Summary

  1. Contract & Role
    • Rudolph re-signed with the Steelers on a 2-year, $8 million deal in March 2025.
    • He’s primarily serving as a backup (or spot starter), rather than being viewed as the franchise QB long-term.
  2. Playing Time
    • He’s appeared in three games so far this season (2025) for Pittsburgh, per NFL.com.
    • In Week 2 vs. the Seahawks, he went in and completed 2-of-2 passes for 12 yards.
    • Then, he played more significantly in Week 11 (Nov. 16) against Cincinnati after starter Aaron Rodgers suffered a wrist injury. He completed 12 of 16 passes, threw for 127 yards and 1 touchdown in that game.
  3. Performance Metrics
    • Through those appearances, he has 139 passing yards, 1 touchdown, and 0 interceptions.
    • His completion percentage this season is 77.8% (14 completions on 18 attempts).
    • His passer rating is 117.4 per ESPN splits.
    • His adjusted QBR is 24.4, though that’s a very small sample size.
    • On the ground, he’s had 4 rushing attempts for –1 yard, per his NFL.com stat line.

🔎 Analysis & Take-Aways

  • Rudolph’s limited playing time means statistical impact is minimal, and most of his numbers should be taken with a grain of salt.
  • But when he has played (especially in that game vs. Cincy), he’s shown efficiency: good completion rate, no turnovers, solid passer rating.
  • His role — given the two-year contract — suggests the Steelers view him as a reliable veteran backup rather than their long-term starter (for now).
  • The fact that he stepped in after Rodgers’ injury and performed reasonably well could boost his value in the QB room and as a bridge option.

🔍 Myles Garrett — 2025 Season So Far

  1. Contract / Status
    • In March 2025, Garrett signed a 4-year extension with the Browns through the 2030 season.
    • Earlier in the year, he had publicly requested a trade, saying he wanted to compete for a Super Bowl.
  2. Elite Performance
    • Garrett is leading the NFL in sacks. As of mid-November 2025, he had 15 sacks through 10 games, putting him on pace for about 25.5 sacks in a 17-game season.
    • Against the Patriots (Week 8), he recorded 5.0 sacks, setting a new single-game franchise record for the Browns.
    • He also collected 4 sacks in a game against Baltimore (Week 11), raising his sack total even more.
    • He notched his 12th sack in another game, making him the only player in NFL history with six straight seasons of at least 12 sacks.
    • According to Pro Football Focus, he’s among the top edge defenders again in 2025, leading in various advanced pass-rush metrics.
  3. Historical / Contextual Significance
    • His sack pace is threatening the single-season sack record (22.5) held by T.J. Watt and Michael Strahan.
    • Despite his individual brilliance, the Browns are struggling as a team, which makes his standout production even more of a highlight.
    • In that 5-sack game vs. the Patriots, Garrett said he would “throw the whole performance away for a win,” underscoring his desire for team success.

✅ Analysis / Take-Aways

  • Garrett is having arguably one of the best seasons of his career — at least in terms of pass-rush production.
  • He’s not just pounding quarterbacks: he’s doing it more efficiently than almost anyone, which makes his performance historically significant.
  • But there’s a tension: his personal dominance hasn’t translated into team success (the Browns are losing a lot), and he’s clearly frustrated by that.
  • If he keeps up this pace, he could absolutely challenge—or break—the NFL’s single-season sack record.
  • His trade request earlier this year suggests he’s not just content being a force; he wants to win. And the extension shows the Browns are very invested in keeping him.

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