DE Myles Garrett (11.10.23)
I know we ask this question a lot, but just how difficult is it to defend Lamar (Jackson) and why? And has he maybe even elevated his game a little bit this year to some degree?
“I mean, the man only continues to gather experience and wisdom and learn how to refine his game. It’s what makes him more dangerous every time you play him, he’s only continuing to get better mentally because physically he can pretty much make every throw on the field, and then he’s as quick and dynamic as he comes.”
Do you learn anything about him every time you face him?
“I learned that he’s never satisfied. That’s why he continues to improve every time we face them.”
The Ravens come in with seven wins, I know there’s a lot of football to be played, but do you guys kind of feel like this is one of those you got to have, if you want to win the division this year?
“You got to have them all. Break that down, you got to have the next one. Doesn’t matter who’s in the way. So right now, we got to take them out.”
Is this one of those games where you guys believe that you’re the best defense in the world. Is this one of those games where you have an opportunity to really go out there, prove it against the best offenses in the world?
“We believe we’re the best team. So, it’s not a matter of defense, offense. it’s about playing our brand of football, how we know we can play.”
The first game against Baltimore, they weren’t at full strength. Obviously, you guys weren’t at full strength, but just from a defensive perspective on your side of the ball, what did you take away from that game? Even though the final score wasn’t close, how close did you guys feel you live?
“It’s a lot closer than, hate saying this, but the scoreboard says. It’s not often that there are times that are like that, but we shut them down for most of the game. We let them have three drives they made the most out of, but you break down those three drives and you see the plays that they made on them. They were low coverages or people out of their position, and that’s all of us. It’s not just one person. We all came up short, whether it was physicality or execution, and we saw where we can improve, and I think we covered up for that last season to make up for that blemish.”
When you talk about being at your peak. Where do you think are?
“I plan to finish playing, Randy Johnson, so we’re just going to keep on going up until we retire.”
What do you think allows you to keep doing this?
“Have a great team to help take care of my body, also what works for mentally and improving how I can always improve my game, how I can take the next level, achieving goals, challenging myself and and I have a great team around me, great football team around me that allows me to play my instinctive brand of ball and we feed off of each other.”
We talk about taking care of your body off the field. Is there any influence, like LeBron (James) is famous for how much he invests in his body and things like that. Was he an influence on you or what influenced that?
“I mean, he’s a big influencer for as long as he’s done it. I got in contact with his people to help set up the team that I have now. So, he’s a major influence. (Christiano) Ronaldo, (Lionel) Messi, (Tom) Brady, (Aaron) Rogers, all those guys for such a long time at a high competitive level, also were influences to me to get a step ahead, be proactive about my health and wellness and take care of this thing.”
Earlier in the week you did an interview and you mentioned that you thought that right now that Joe Burrow has the edge over Lamar Jackson. What make you say that?
“Burrow has gone farther. He’s produced at a higher level at this point in his career, even though Lamar has an MVP and he’s more dynamic at what he does. But I think the results that Burrow has come up with speak for themselves. Not saying that can’t change any given day, but I give Burrow the nod for what he’s been able to accomplish.”
And you don’t mind saying that in the week that you’re heading over to face Lamar (Jackson)?
“No, I got plenty of respect for Lamar, whether you respect the guy or you got a plan today or the next day, still got to suit up and you still got to make plays. And so, do I. Go out there and have fun regardless of what is being said or not.”
Myles, you talk about just defending Lamar (Jackson). From your perspective as an edge rusher, is there anything you have to tweak? He’s so good at making guys miss in even small spaces. Is there anything you tweak, like mentally or technically, about the way that you rush the passer to try to get him down versus third quarter?
“Never stop rushing, never think the play is over. You think, if you’re double teaming or you fall on a play you think, no. The balls going to be out. Possibly, they have a good percent play that get out within 10 seconds, but they also lead the league in plays when he’s holding the ball. He’s sitting behind the line trying to find someone open or making it happen himself, finding a lane. So, you have to just know that you might be playing for six seconds, you might be playing for 15 seconds on one play, but don’t assume the play is over just because something happens or you’re in a bad position because he would be the one to hold the next play.”
I saw a stat, I think you’re half a sack away from giving you double digits six straight years. Only seven players history to do that. How proud are you of that?
“It’s the first time I’ve heard it of it.”
Is that something on your checklist to do it year in and year out?
“I mean it’s everyone’s objective to come into the league and be consistent. Play at the highest level they can play at, be the greatest you can be. That’s what I’m focused on but having a team has been very good for me as far as putting me in positions to make plays and helping each other. Last week was only for the DTs. We all made a little bit of plays here and there but the DTs had a day. That’s as fulfilling for me as having one of those days where I go off and have a great game. I love those guys, go out there eat and hunt for themselves.”
What went through your mind when you saw the Ravens had 300 yards rushing last week and then you turn on the game to watch?
“It can’t happen with us.”
# # #
***Visit the Browns Media Center for materials provided by the Browns communications department, including media schedules, press releases, quotes, photos, media guides, rosters, depth charts and more.***