Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett suffered a toe injury after racing against Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Brian Burns through the “Gridiron Gauntlet” course in the 2023 Pro Bowl Games. Seeing him limp off the field was tough to see for Browns fans. While the injury has been nagging him since February, there’s no reason to believe that Garrett will stay injured for long. He attended the Browns’ offseason workout program, but his level of participation is unknown. However, the four-time All-Pro should be healed come training camp.
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His body recovers quickly, as proven by his one-week absence after figuring into a single-vehicle car crash. While he suffered muscle and shoulder injuries from the accident, he only skipped last season’s Week 4 game against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Browns heavily rely on Garrett for their pass rush. He had 16 of Cleveland’s 34 sacks last season, with Taven Bryan coming in second with a distant three sacks. The Texas A&M alumnus also finished in the top five in sacks from 2020 to 2022. It’s challenging to see how the Browns will generate pressure on the opposing quarterback without him, especially after the team might not bring back Jadeveon Clowney.
Myles Garrett will have more freedom under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz
Garrett can even be a more disruptive force under Schwartz’s Wide-9 system. Since this scheme requires defensive linemen to have wider gaps between them, he will have more space to use his quick moves, hoping to reach the quarterback. The scheme helped improve the Philadelphia Eagles and Tennessee Titans’ defensive units.
Opening up the game can unlock Garrett’s talent further. He can also help his teammates shine if he’s getting double-teamed. While their 2023 schedule isn’t set in stone yet, they will face several talented quarterbacks throughout the regular season. In the AFC North alone, the Browns must contend against Kenny Pickett, Lamar Jackson (if he stays with the Baltimore Ravens), and Joe Burrow.
There’s also Kyler Murray, Matthew Stafford, Justin Fields, and potentially Aaron Rodgers (granted, he gets traded to the New York Jets). Giving Garrett free rein to make plays on the ball will keep the Browns in contention in every game.
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