0Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Myles Garrett is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL, but a couple of roughing the passer penalties sullied what was otherwise a dominant performance against the New York Jets last Monday.
Now, Garrett says he has to play smarter in order to avoid being flagged:
“It is hurting right now because you want to play aggressive, you want to play passionate and you just want to finish the play,” Garrett said after Wednesday’s practice, according to Matthew Florjancic of WKYC 3. “I am going to keep on playing with the same aggression. I just have to be smarter, better with my strike zone and try to pull off so I do not land with all my weight.”
Garrett racked up three sacks in the win over the Jets, bringing his total to five for the season. One of his sacks resulted in a season-ending ankle injury for Jets quarterback Trevor Siemian, but Garrett insists he didn't mean any harm:
“That was the main point of emphasis when the refs talked to me, so I just have to be better at that,” said Garrett. “I am not going to pull off on a one-step and hit on the quarterback like that. If I know I have to be two steps or more, I am going to pull off. I am not trying to do anything dirty. I am not trying to injure anybody.”
The 23-year-old, who played his collegiate football at Texas A&M, was originally selected by the Browns with the first overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Injuries limited him to 11 games during his rookie campaign, but when he was on the field, he was impressive, registering 31 tackles, seven sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Garrett then broke out last year, racking up 44 tackles, 13.5 sacks and three forced fumbles, en route to a Pro Bowl appearance.
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