Browns DC responds to latest controversial Myles Garrett comments

Shortly after the Cleveland Browns failed to score a touchdown in their 23-9 Week 6 loss at the Pittsburgh Steelers that dropped Cleveland to 1-5 on the season, Browns pass-rusher Myles Garrett acknowledged that "it’s frustrating as hell" to "lose the same way every time." 

While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz was asked multiple questions about Garrett's comments. 

Browns "not pointing any fingers" despite Myles Garrett's comments

"We’re not pointing any fingers or anything else because there’s plenty of things that we can do to turn the ball over to score on defense, if we can change that," Schwartz insisted, per Ashley Bastock of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "It’s just, it’s real life. Like, if you don’t have the lead, quarterback doesn’t have to hold the ball very long. If they don’t feel the need to put the ball in dangerous places to try to make a play, then your opportunity to get interceptions is now down." 

Schwartz was referencing how Garrett said it "must be nice" when he was asked following the Pittsburgh game about watching opposing pass-rushers chase after a quarterback while having a double-digit lead. Ever since then, some have wondered if Garrett could reconsider his future with the Browns after he signed a four-year, $160M contract extension that included $123.5M guaranteed to stay with Cleveland this past offseason. 

"We need to take care of our own selves," Schwartz continued. "We need to play better on third down. We need to play better in the red zone. But, yeah, that is a dynamic that exists. That’s not pointing the finger at anybody. That’s just the way it is."

How did Jim Schwartz react to latest Myles Garrett comments?

One can't help but wonder how Garrett and other Cleveland players felt as they watched quarterback Joe Flacco guide the Cincinnati Bengals to a thrilling 33-31 win over the Steelers on Thursday night. The Browns benched Flacco after he lost three of four September starts before Cleveland traded him to Cincinnati on Oct. 7. 

It sounds like Schwartz will be just fine with whatever Garrett will and/or won't have to say about the Browns' quarterback situation this fall. 

"Myles is one of our key players, and he certainly has a voice and certainly has his opinion," Schwartz added about Garrett's comments, according to the Browns' website. "And I think anybody that wants to stand behind their statements and speak up, I don’t see any issue with that."

As of Friday morning, ESPN BET had the Browns as 2.5-point favorites for this coming Sunday's home game against the Miami Dolphins (1-5).