Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Myles Garrett is not just one of the best defenders in the NFL; he is one of the best players in the league, period.
Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz made that very clear when discussing Garrett this week.
“In my mind the definition of a great player is when an opponent starts their game plan with ‘we’re gonna take care of this guy,’ Schwartz said, via Spencer German of Fan Nation. “Like ‘we’re not gonna let this guy beat us and he’s still able to be effective and he’s still able to play at a high level.”
That has certainly happened the last several weeks, as Garrett has been held without a sack for the last four games as he has faced plenty of double teams and what he would consider some illegal play from offensive linemen. Garrett has said that there have been a bunch of holding non-calls that have occurred as opposing players attempt to contain him.
“In my career, I’ve really seen that from three players,” continued Schwartz. “I’ve seen it from Myles. I’ve seen it from Calvin Johnson and – I was a young quality control coach, so it was only the first three years of his career – but I saw it from Ray Lewis also. Guys that every week the opponent said ‘this guy’s not gonna beat us’ and every week that player still made plays.”
Johnson was a wide receiver, so likening Garrett to him may seem like an odd comparison, but Schwartz was merely pointing out how heavily teams used to gameplan for Johnson.
As for Lewis, it’s certainly high praise to have your name mentioned in the same breath as one of the greatest defensive players to ever live.
Garrett has racked up 36 tackles, 13 sacks, four forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and three passes defended this season.
The 27-year-old appears to be well on his way to a fourth Pro Bowl appearance. He has also earned a pair of First-Team All-Pro selections.
Myles Garrett and the Browns are 9-5 and currently hold the first Wild Card spot in the AFC playoff picture. They will take on the Houston Texans this Sunday. They will then face the New York Jets and Cincinnati Bengals to wrap up the regular season.
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