Cleveland Browns Week 8: Studs and duds

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PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 28: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts a pass as Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns defends during the first half in the game at Heinz Field on October 28, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Stud: Myles Garrett, Defensive End

The Browns defense deserves a lot of credit this season. That’s not something said often about a group that just gave up 33 points. However, not all is on them. The Cleveland defense gives up yards and they struggle to cover tight ends and running backs in the middle of the field. Even with their deficiencies, the Browns have some serious playmakers on the defensive side of the ball.

One of those is defensive end Myles Garrett. Cleveland took Garrett out of Texas A&M with the No. 1 overall pick in 2017 and he’s been a great pick to this point in his young career. He was solid as a rookie but missed time with injuries. This season, he’s been healthy and is one of the best edge rushers in the game.

He finished the game against the Steelers with just one tackle, but it was a big one. Early in the game, with the score still 6-0, Pittsburgh was trying to get their offense going and Garrett wasn’t having any of that.

On a third-and-seven play, Garrett fired off the snap and took Big Ben down to force a punt. The Browns moved the ball into range after that but missed a field goal. The entire game could have been different had that kick been made, and the momentum Garrett and the defense were building may have continued to roll in their favor.

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