CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Myles Garrett has already made a pitch or two to fellow defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.
Clowney can become a free agent in March after signing a 1-yard contract with the Browns last spring.
“I want him here,” Garrett said.
Garrett and Clowney have made quite the pair of bookends on the Browns defensive line this season.
“Myles and Jadeveon, how they play, how they pressure the quarterback, attack the run and those type of things are very indicative of the entire position group,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said.
Garrett set the franchise record for sacks in a single season with 15 while Clowney has seven.
Garrett has added 31 QB hits, 16 tackles for loss, three batted passes a forced fumble, fumble recovery and a touchdown with a game to play while Clowney has delivered 17 QB hits, 10 tackles for loss, a pair of batted passes and forced fumble in 13 games to date.
“I feel like he is disruptive every time he is out there, especially when we are out there together and they can’t key in on just one of us,” Garrett said. “They guy is hitting his stride. I think he has a lot of football left, and he does know that.”
It’s impossible to deny just how much Garrett and Clowney have benefitted from each other’s presence on the field.
“It is hard as an offense to give attention to multiple players,” Stefanski said. “You have to make some decisions in terms of how you are going to do that, whether you are sliding a line one way each time or you are putting a tight end or a running back over on this side each time. The more guys who you have on defense who get the offense’s attention certainly plays to the advantage of those players.”
Garrett, who was awarded the Joe Thomas player of the year and Dino Lucarelli ‘Good Guy’ awards by the writers who cover the team, hasn’t been shy this season expressing himself and ascending to the unquestioned leader of the defense.
When he speaks, his teammates listen.
“I feel like you do not need to hold back on the truth if it needs to be heard,” Garrett said. “If I need to do that next year, then I will do it. If we need somehow to get a kick in the ass or a jumpstart, I am going to be that guy.”
Stefanski praised Garrett’s efforts the last two years.
“I see a professional who works hard at his craft, plays very hard and takes on a leadership role and a vocal role when necessary and in his own way,” Stefanski said. “I think that is probably the most important part with leadership is being genuine and being who you are. I think that is what we are getting with Myles. You want to get the best version of each of these players.”
