The Cleveland Browns are fighting for their playoff lives with five games left in the 2021 NFL season. The year started with high expectations but have stumbled to a 6-6 start. Thankfully for their goals, the Browns are still in the hunt in a very parity-driven AFC. A few more games going their way in Week 14 could be a huge boost to their hopes.
It starts with their own game against the Baltimore Ravens. The offense must produce better than it did in Week 12 while the team hopes the defense can stifle Lamar Jackson’s offense once again.
Leading the way for Cleveland’s defense is defensive end Myles Garrett. Garrett, along with Jadeveon Clowney and Takk McKinley, give the Browns an imposing identity on that side of the ball. While Garrett has some concerns about how the team has prepared this week, he’s been setting a high standard on the field for a few years.
According to Pro Football Focus, the former top overall pick has been an elite pass rusher over the last few seasons:
Myles Garrett: 93.0 PFF pass-rush grade since 2019
1st among edge defenders pic.twitter.com/WA3BdP06l3
— PFF Bet (@PFF_Bet) December 9, 2021
Garrett’s presence, including his long-term extension, gives the Browns someone to build around and should continue to attract other defenders to join him.
For now, the only thing that matters is beating Baltimore. Garrett should have a big role if Cleveland wins including likely breaking the team’s single-season sack record.
