On Sunday, Myles Garrett, the star pass-rusher for the Cleveland Browns, did not appear in the box score for the first time in his career.
Garrett did not register a single tackle or sack during the Los Angeles Rams’ 36-19 victory. According to ESPN’s Jake Trotter, it was the first time in his career that he was held without a tackle. With 13 sacks on the season going into the game, Garrett was only one half-sack behind the NFL lead.
Garrett’s play of the afternoon stood out the most when he forced Rams tackle Alaric Jackson’s helmet off with his facemask stuck on him.
“It didn’t really affect me,” Garrett remarked. “Just had a really good upfront game plan for us.”
As evidenced by some remarks Los Angeles captain Sean McVay made to Garrett following the game, the Rams put a lot of effort into neutralizing Garrett.
“Hello. You should know that worrying about you ruined my entire f—ing week, okay?” According to The Athletic, McVay told Garrett.
It is difficult to accept that Garrett was unaffected by the shoulder. After last week’s loss to the Denver Broncos, he was hardly able to raise his shoulder, so he spent the week recovering so he could play against the Rams.
The Rams averaged 6.4 yards per play, and the Browns defense as a whole was inept against them. Los Angeles did not force any turnovers while amassing 399 yards overall.
Myles Garrett Is Still Upbeat About His Playoff Prospects
The Browns dropped to 7-5 after the loss and are now two games behind the Baltimore Ravens, who are leading the AFC North. After two straight losses, Cleveland’s chances of making the playoffs are a little less certain, but Garrett is not giving up.
“I always feel good about this team.” Garrett remarked. “Even though we lost this game, we still know exactly what the mission is, and it doesn’t change. We immediately return to the drawing board and resume our work.”
Furthermore, Garrett refrained from offering the Browns’ recent spate of injuries as an explanation.
Naturally, it’s difficult. We’re in a situation that nobody asked for, but we’re in it,” Garrett remarked. “It is impossible to moan or complain about. All you have to do is go out there, work hard, and figure out a way to prevail. Never come up with an excuse.”
Denzel Ward, a cornerback in the Pro Bowl, has not played for the Browns in the previous two weeks. He’s got a shoulder injury, but hopefully he’ll be back by next week.
Browns Get Solid QB Play From Joe Flacco
With veteran quarterback Joe Flacco making his debut against the Rams, the Browns offense appeared more in sync. He completed the game with two touchdowns and 254 yards on 23 of 44 passes. The only error Flacco made was tossing an interception on a deep attempt in the fourth quarter.
After the game, Flacco said, “Just upset at myself.” After the game, Flacco said. “I don’t think like that right now because I know I can play the game. I’m just thinking that I’m disappointed in myself. To be really honest, I enjoy playing these games. When the fourth quarter rolls around, things are going to get tight and ugly. I believe that tight games requiring well-considered decisions are my strong suits. That’s why it stings a little to not deliver in that kind of situation.”
Next week, the Browns play the Jacksonville Jaguars in a game that is practically a must-win. The starting quarterback for that game has not yet been announced by the team.