In recent years, Myles Garrett has solidified his reputation as one of the most formidable defensive forces in the NFL, and his achievements on the field only continue to grow. With a relentless drive to improve both mentally and physically, Garrett's focus on honing his skills has paid off remarkably. "The focus is finding a way to improve," Garrett noted, underscoring a commitment to self-improvement that has become a hallmark of his illustrious career.
A Season to Remember
Last season, Garrett's dominance was undeniable, earning him the AP Defensive Player of the Year award. His stats speak volumes: he recorded 42 tackles, 30 quarterback hits, 14.0 sacks, four forced fumbles, and three passes defended in 16 games. Such numbers highlight his versatility and impact on the field. Furthermore, his 86 pressures, 57 hurries, and an 18.6% pressure rate emphasize his unmatched ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
Garrett's consistency extends beyond a single standout season. Over his career, he has accumulated 88.5 sacks in just 100 games. This level of production places him third all-time in career sacks since 1982, trailing only the legendary Reggie White and current star T.J. Watt. Garrett's ability to sustain such high performance is further evidenced by his streak of 14+ sacks over the last three seasons and achieving double-digit sacks for six consecutive seasons. In a testament to his reliability, he is also tied with Von Miller for the most games with at least one sack.
A Defensive Cornerstone
Garrett's contributions have been instrumental in anchoring the Cleveland Browns' defense, a unit that, last season, led the NFL in several crucial defensive metrics. Cleveland allowed the fewest yards per game (270.2), underscoring their ability to stymie opposing offenses consistently. The Browns' defense also had a remarkable 49% three-and-out rate, indicating their efficiency in quickly ending offensive drives.
Moreover, Cleveland led the league in yards per possession (20.7) and plays per possession (4.5), metrics that reflect a disciplined and well-coordinated defensive spectrum. Their ability to allow the fewest first-downs per game (14.5) further highlights the suffocating nature of their defensive finesse. Garrett has been a crucial element in propelling these collective achievements, his presence elevating the performance and confidence of the entire unit.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Garrett’s driving force is his relentless pursuit of self-improvement. "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 elaborated. This introspective approach reflects a deep understanding that even the best can find areas to enhance. "During the offseason, I always try to find things I'm weak on," Garrett shared, demonstrating his commitment to comprehensive development.
Garrett’s offseason regimen includes working on explosive movements, change of direction, and play recognition. Additionally, he analyzes and adopts techniques from others who excel in specific areas. "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," he explained. "Looking at them, seeing how I can improve. Just trying to get their process and using it to make it my own."
Such dedication to growing his game has undeniably positioned Garrett among the greats. His approach to refining his skills, combined with his stellar on-field performances, foresees a promising continuation of his already distinguished career. With Garrett at the helm, the Cleveland Browns' defense remains a formidable force, poised to dominate and disrupt offenses across the league.