Cleveland Browns bye week report cards: Defensive line

Myles Garrett – A

Myles Garrett became the highest-paid edge defender in NFL history this past offseason (at least, for a few days before Joey Bosa topped him), and has promptly put together the first half of the best season of his career. He has nine sacks and 38 total pressures, despite generating only five pressures over the past three games; an ankle injury has hobbled him, and he also dealt with a knee issue during the team’s Week 8 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, in addition to taking numbing shots in his hand.

Opposing offenses have to gameplan specifically around Garrett, because he’s so incredibly disruptive. He’s been responsible for 32 percent of the Browns pressures this season, which is a number that only Aaron Donald can contend with. Garrett isn’t getting much help, but he’s still wrecking games, and is responsible for at least three victories this season alone.

Through five games, Garrett had caused eight turnovers as a result of his pressure, an absolutely ridiculous amount. He demands a double-team or chip every single play, because if he’s left 1-on-1 and the quarterback doesn’t get the ball out quickly, Garrett will get home.

He is a truly special talent who continues to improve. After the bye week, he should be mostly healthy and back to destroying opposing QBs. Whether or not he’ll have more help is another story. For as much attention as Garrett commands, you’d think his linemates would be able to find more success, but that just hasn’t been the case in 2020.