Cleveland Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett is as good as it gets when it comes to pass rushers. Not only is one in the mix for the best player at the position, but he is one of the better players overall in the NFL.
This season, the statistics speak for themselves. Garrett has 13 sacks, 26 quarterback hits and 32 total pressures in 15 games. He has 39 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, three passes defended, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery as he gets the job done in every facet of the game.
Over at ESPN, accolades were handed out by Matt Bowen for the best player in the NFL in certain categories. Not surprisingly, Garrett came out on top in multiple categories. The first one that Garrett was recognized for is being the most explosive pass rusher in the league.
“Garrett combines full-body power and agility to produce high-end numbers off the edge. His pass rush win rate of 28.9% ranks second behind Parsons, and he has 13 sacks and four forced fumbles,” Bowen wrote.
Slowing down Garrett is a virtually impossible task. His rare blend of power, speed and athleticism make it difficult for offensive linemen to keep him out of the backfield. He has an array of moves to get past blockers or he can use brute strength to run them right over.
Garrett’s overall defensive grade of 93.7 is ranked No. 1 among edge defenders in the NFL over at PFF. His 94.6 pass-rushing grade is first overall as well, while his 79.3 run-defense grade is 13th.
If there is a play to be made, Garrett is normally involved in it. But, defense isn’t the only area in which he makes an impact. He is also a difference-maker on special teams, where Bowen recognized him as the best kick blocker in the NFL.
“Garett can use his power and length to disrupt the kick — or simply jump over a blocker, like he did against the Colts earlier this season,” Bowen wrote.
People as big as Garrett don’t normally possess the athleticism that he brings to the table as well. He is the focus of so many opposing team’s game plans yet he still finds a way to produce and put up gaudy numbers.
The Browns’ defense is one of the best in the NFL and Garrett’s presence is a big reason why. He helps take pressure off of his teammates, who take full advantage of the attention he draws, putting them in advantageous situations.
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