4 crucial matchups in Browns home opener

Matchup No.1: Myles Garrett vs George Fant and the Jets tight end room

In all fairness to the Jets and George Fant, this matchup has zero chance of going in their favor. Going into the year, the Jets were hanging their hat on Mekhi Becton to be their left tackle of the future, but a season-ending kneecap fracture derailed those hopes. The Jets immediately signed veteran Duane Brown to man the left tackle position, but then he had to be placed on the injured reserve due to a shoulder injury.

Now the job of attempting to get in Myles Garrett’s way will fall on George Fant and every tight end the Jets can throw at him. The Jets do not shy away from putting three tight ends on the field, as they led the NFL in 13 personnel in Week one. But, even with the extra help, Fant is going to be in no man’s land lining up across from Garrett.

As much success as Garrett has had since entering the league in 2017, the uber-talented defensive end is just entering his physical prime. That is a mind-boggling statement, considering Garrett has already racked up 60.5 sacks in his short career and is only two sacks from becoming the all-time leader for the franchise.

It is worth mentioning that both Clay Matthews and Bill Glass have more total sacks than the franchise record of 62 because sacks were not considered an official stat until 1982. But whether it is official or unofficial is a moot point, because by the time Garrett is done in Cleveland the sack record will be virtually unreachable.

So, whether Garrett breaks the record or not Sunday, Fant is in for a world of trouble. Eh, who am I kidding, Garrett is going to get at least two sacks on Sunday and could be in line for a hat trick. Prayers up for Flacco.