Myles Garrett waited more than a year for his first opportunity to play Ben Roethlisberger.
Finally, the Browns defensive end succeeded in his mission to “chop him down,” a statement Garrett made on the day he was drafted.
Garrett sacked Roethlisberger for a 4-yard loss on the first play of the second quarter.
Garrett and Roethlisberger didn’t meet last season, with Garrett injured for the season opener and Roethlisberger sitting out the regular-season finale in preparation for the playoffs.
Roethlisberger got his revenge later in the drive.
On third-and-seven from the Cleveland 8, Roethlisberger threw incomplete on a pass intended for Justin Hunter. Garrett, though, was called for a questionable roughing penalty.
Officials ruled Garrett landed on Roethlisberger with his body weight.
A third-down stop turned into a 4-yard James Conner touchdown run on the next play.
The Steelers lead 7-0.
Roethlisberger now is 7-of-14 for 97 yards and two interceptions.