Myles Garrett: A Defensive Juggernaut in the NFL
Myles Garrett has solidified his position as one of the most formidable defensive players in the NFL. Dominating the field, Garrett's prowess is captured not only through his remarkable statistics but also by his relentless drive to perfect his craft.
Last season, Garrett's performances were nothing short of monumental. Earning the AP Defensive Player of the Year award, Garrett's impact was palpable. Anchoring the Cleveland Browns' defense, he recorded 42 tackles, 30 quarterback hits, 14.0 sacks, four forced fumbles, and three passes defended over 16 games. These numbers alone speak volumes, but they barely scratch the surface of Garrett’s influence on the game.
His ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks is almost unparalleled, racking up 86 pressures and 57 hurries. With a pressure rate of 18.6%, Garrett is a constant threat, disrupting offensive lines and forcing hurried decisions. His career stats further underscore his dominance, with 88.5 career sacks in 100 games, positioning him third all-time in career sacks since 1982, trailing only the legendary Reggie White and the ever-formidable T.J. Watt.
Garrett’s consistency is awe-inspiring. He has managed 14+ sacks in each of the last three seasons and has achieved double-digit sacks for six consecutive seasons. This level of consistency places him among the elite in the NFL. Additionally, he is tied with Von Miller for the most games with at least one sack, further highlighting his relentless ability to make an impact game after game.
The contribution Garrett has made to the Cleveland Browns cannot be overstated. Under his leadership, the Browns led the NFL in allowing the fewest yards per game (270.2) last season and had a league-best 49% three-and-out rate. They consistently dominated, leading in yards per possession (20.7) and plays per possession (4.5), and conceding the fewest first downs per game (14.5).
Garrett’s philosophy reflects his on-field performance. "The focus is finding a way to improve," Garrett remarked. His relentless pursuit of excellence is evident in his attitude towards both his mental and physical preparation. Garrett emphasizes the importance of improving in all facets of his game. "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," he explained.
His offseason routines are a testament to his dedication. "During the offseason, I always try to find things I'm weak on," Garrett shared. This meticulous approach involves focusing on explosive work, change of direction, and play recognition. Additionally, Garrett is committed to refining his hand movements, a critical aspect of his role. "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."
Continuously evolving, Garrett examines other players to enhance his skills. "Looking at them, seeing how I can improve. Just trying to get their process and using it to make it my own," he stated. This approach underscores a humility and a desire to learn, even as he operates at the pinnacle of his profession.
Myles Garrett’s journey is a blueprint for aspiring athletes. His blend of raw talent, relentless improvement, and tactical intelligence has not only made him a cornerstone of the Cleveland Browns' defense but also a shining star in the NFL firmament. As he continues to evolve and push the boundaries of his capabilities, Garrett’s legacy as one of the defensive greats seems ever more assured.