Myles Garrett has firmly established himself as one of the most dominant defensive forces in the NFL. Last season, Garrett not only secured the AP Defensive Player of the Year award but also played a pivotal role as a cornerstone for the Cleveland Browns' defense.
Commanding Presence
Garrett's statistics from last season paint a picture of sheer dominance on the field. He recorded 42 tackles, 30 quarterback hits, 14.0 sacks, four forced fumbles, and three passes defended over the course of 16 games. These impressive numbers illustrate his ability to consistently disrupt opposing offenses and make critical plays.
In addition to these stats, Garrett had a whopping 86 pressures, 57 hurries, and an impressive pressure rate of 18.6%. Such figures are a testament to Garrett's relentless pursuit of quarterbacks and his knack for creating havoc in the backfield.
Historical Standings
With 88.5 career sacks in 100 games, Garrett's prowess is evident. His place in history is also assured; he is third all-time in career sacks since 1982, trailing only the legendary Reggie White and T.J. Watt. Moreover, Garrett has consistently achieved 14+ sacks in each of the last three seasons and reached double-digit sacks for six consecutive seasons. His ability to maintain such high performance levels year after year underscores his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.
An Unyielding Defense
Garrett's individual achievements have undeniably contributed to the Cleveland Browns' defensive success. The Browns led the NFL last season in allowing the fewest yards per game (270.2). They also recorded a 49% three-and-out rate, leading the league in both yards per possession (20.7) and plays per possession (4.5). Cleveland's defense set the standard by allowing the fewest first downs per game (14.5), showcasing a unit that was stingy and tough to break down.
Chasing Excellence
Garrett's relentless drive to improve is a significant factor in his sustained excellence. "The focus is finding a way to improve," Garrett stated. His commitment to both mental and physical growth is evident, as 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."
During the offseason, Garrett dedicates his time to addressing any areas where he feels he is lacking. "During the offseason, I always try to find things I'm weak on," he said. This includes working on explosive movements, change of direction, play recognition, and even refining hand movements. "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," Garrett elaborated.
Garrett's approach is not just about self-improvement; he keenly observes other players to incorporate their strengths into his repertoire. "Looking at them, seeing how I can improve. Just trying to get their process and using it to make it my own," he shared. This humility and willingness to learn from others exemplifies Garrett's dedication to his craft and his pursuit of greatness.