Myles Garrett: The Relentless Force of the Cleveland Browns’ Defense
Myles Garrett has firmly established himself as one of the most dominant defensive forces in the NFL. A cornerstone for the Cleveland Browns, his relentless pursuit of excellence continues to shape the team's defensive identity.
A Stellar Season
Last season, Garrett's performance was nothing short of extraordinary. He won the AP Defensive Player of the Year award, a testament to his impact on the field. Over 16 games, Garrett's statistics were impressive: 42 tackles, 30 quarterback hits, 14.0 sacks, four forced fumbles, and three passes defended. His pressure metrics were equally staggering, with 86 pressures, 57 hurries, and a pressure rate of 18.6%.
Career Milestones
Garrett’s career numbers further highlight his prowess. With 88.5 career sacks in 100 games, he stands third all-time in career sacks since 1982, trailing only legends like Reggie White and T.J. Watt. His consistency is unmatched; he has recorded 14+ sacks in each of the last three seasons and achieved double-digit sacks for six consecutive seasons. In terms of reliability, Garrett is tied with Von Miller for the most games with at least one sack.
Team Impact
The Cleveland Browns' defense has significantly benefited from Garrett’s presence. Last season, the Browns led the NFL in allowing the fewest yards per game (270.2). The defense boasted a 49% three-and-out rate, leading the league in yards per possession (20.7) and plays per possession (4.5). Additionally, Cleveland allowed the fewest first downs per game (14.5), underscoring their defensive dominance.
A Commitment to Improvement
Garrett's dedication to self-improvement is a major factor in his sustained success. "The focus is finding a way to improve," he explained. "Whether that's mentally, being a leader, being more vocal, leading by example. And then physically, how can I stay at the peak of my powers? I can work on some of the things I'm really good at, but also some of my weaknesses as well."
His offseason regimen is meticulously planned. "During the offseason, I always try to find things I'm weak on," said Garrett. "There's ways to do that. The explosive work that we do, change of direction, and play recognition. But I can also work on some hand movements I'm not especially good at, or I can see that someone else is better than me at that position."
Learning from the Best
Garrett's approach to improvement also involves learning from other top players. "Looking at them, seeing how I can improve. Just trying to get their process and using it to make it my own," he remarked. This persistent drive to enhance his game is what sets Garrett apart and ensures he remains at the peak of his abilities.
As the new season unfolds, Garrett’s influence on the Browns' defense will be closely watched. His combination of skill, determination, and leadership continues to inspire both his teammates and fans alike. With Garrett anchoring the defense, the Cleveland Browns are poised for another formidable season.