You know someone is the best at what they do when every year, there’s a new challenger for their crown. T.J. Watt, Nick Bosa, and Micah Parsons are incredible in their own right, but there is no pass rusher as consistently dominant as Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett. On Sunday, he’ll be the Christmas Eve appetizer for a Houston Texans offensive line, welcoming him with open arms—a holding call being the most merciful outcome for some of his snaps.
He’ll be a tough task for a Houston line looking to protect (presumably) quarterback Case Keenum, who isn’t as fleet of foot as the rookie he’s replacing. Limiting the best player on perhaps the league’s best defense will be pivotal in stealing a win from a 9-5 Cleveland team with playoff aspirations of its own. On Wednesday Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans was not shy in his praise for the superstar. “One of the best players each and every year he’s been in the league,” Ryans said. “He’s a problem. How do you handle him? Such a tremendous player [the Browns] do a great job moving him around. Myles is an exceptional talent, truly generational talent.”
This season Garrett has 13 sacks in 14 games, marking his sixth consecutive 10+ sack season. With arguably the best supporting cast he’s ever had helping him rush the passer, Garrett has elevated Cleveland to league-best marks in expected points added per play and success rate. Simply put, this Browns defense is a problem, and it starts with one of the most feared players in the sport.
That Texans offensive line, like it has for the duration of this season, is banged up. Laremy Tunsil, Shaq Mason, and George Fant found their way onto the injury report, and while they have a chance to go – Tunsil and Mason were DNPs on Wednesday, Fant was full – a lack of continuity is a concern up front. As for stopping him, Ryans gave the best plan he could, though even that frequently feels futile.
“You have to be aware of where he is at all times,” Ryans said. “You have to handle him with two at times. You have to be on it with the protection and the communication. It’s tough for everybody. He’s a disruptive player.” Garrett is the top edge rusher in football by Pro Football Focus’ defense grade, pass-rush grade, and pass-rush win rate. Stopping him is a matter of mitigation, not elimination. How well Houston (8-6) holds up could be a deciding factor in the tightly contested races for the AFC South and the remaining spots in the AFC playoff picture.
