DE Myles Garrett (11.5.23)
Myles, how gratifying to have such a dominant defensive performance, to get that shutout for the first time in a million years here?
“It feels great. Haven’t had a shutout in a while, just like you said, and it was a perfect opportunity. Bounce back game. We haven’t been playing up to the standard that we’ve set on defense and we took the challenge that (Jim) Schwartz set for us, and we played with our hair on fire. Guys really responded and happy they did to the level in which they did.”
How much were you thinking about the shutout and when did you start thinking about it?
“I’m always thinking about the shutout. You go into a game thinking they don’t have to score. I mean we lived up to that. They don’t have to gain an inch. So, if they get it, let’s get a TFL to take those off the board. And we made a lot of negative plays, a lot of game-changer plays all across the board, from the front end to the back end, and couldn’t be prouder.”
Myles, what do you think of the way that your guys in the interior were able to impact this game?
“They balled out. I mean, can’t even name one of them because all of them had a piece from the pie, especially Dalvin (Tomlinson) having the majority. And he’s been due, he’s been working his butt off trying to do more for the team, for the defense, saying he’s going to step up, he’s going to do his part. It’s like, man, just got to wait for your opportunity. Quarterback chooses who’s going to sack him. So, once he steps up and he’s in your path, just make the most of it and make those plays that come to you. And he was stepping up out of pressure from us, spinning the edge and winning on the edge and they were winning their one on ones inside. That’s what we asked them to do, and they had a hell of a day.”
Considering the uncertainty of the last five weeks with Deshaun (Watson), is there a sense of relief in seeing him go out there?
“Yeah, I mean, you don’t expect the guy to look like Superman, especially come off an injury like he was. So, him getting back in the groove of things, getting the feel of the game, making those deep passes, putting some on the money, getting out the pocket, just feeling like himself again. That’s what we want to see and he’s only going to get better.”
Now you’ve got the offense complimenting you guys, too. Just how exciting is it to go out there and see it all come together like that?
“I mean, that’s what we preach and practice every day, playing as a singular unit, everybody being in that flow state, and it all came together. I couldn’t ask for a better outcome.”
Myles, with that, though, how quickly do you have to really turn the page because you’re facing a lot more difficult offense next week?
“Give it same the amount if you were to lose a game, you get that 48 hours. Give it a day to enjoy it. Give it a day to break it down, and then next, you’re on to your opponent.”
Myles, thoughts on another shot at Lamar (Jackson) and the Ravens next week?
“I mean, we’re always excited for that challenge, man. That’s because they’re so talented. They’re so high powered. They have playmakers all over. They want to run the ball, and now they got plenty of guys in every area that can. They also spread the offense out and chuck it down the field. They’re very versatile, and that’s what makes the challenge so exciting and makes you want to dominate on defense. They’re looking to do the same thing because they have a powerful defense, as well.”
When you say that Jim Schwartz had a call to action this week, is that something specifically for this week or just in general?
“No, he made it clear we got to get back to ourselves, and that was something he said Wednesday. We got back in the building, and he wasn’t happy, and none of us were. He wanted us to get back to what we’ve been doing, and we knew we had been a little bit off course and glad to get this one under our belt and get back on the right path.”
What are you seeing on that play where you wind up with the fumble that Shelby (Harris) got?
“Sure. I went in my rush, and I’m thinking, I’m getting a strip sack, and then I see big old 93 slide through and hit the on, the ball comes out, and I’m like, if I don’t get the sack, I might as well take it to the house. Scoop the ball up the air, and all of a sudden, my feet are in the air because Ogbo (Okoronkwo) is tackling me, because he thinks I’m a Cardinal. Just glad to get the ball and be a part of a hell of a play that Shelby created.”
How nice was it to see that all the dogs got to eat today and so many guys contributed to this?
“That’s what it’s all about. It’s not a one man show. It’s not just the edge guys or just the guys who were premier, came from free agency. Everyone had a hand in it, whether they’d been on Cleveland for a while or they came from somewhere else. Guys stepped up across the board, (Sione) Takitaki getting to shine, Denzel (Ward) making plays, all those guys who didn’t get targeted but still keeping their man off the stat sheet. You want to see the team ball like that, where everyone feels like they made a difference, and that’s how you continue to build camaraderie and you build a winning standard.”
What’s the feeling like when Corey (Bojorquez) bends the team back inside the five, down at the one? When you’re going out there as a defense, what’s that feeling like?
“I mean, that’s huge. It’s almost like he made a score and play himself, putting defense inside the five and allowing us to go hunt, make negative plays, trying to put points on the board ourselves or keep them backed up so the offense in great position. He flips the field, and he had a hell of a day, but none greater than what he did today.”
When you see Deshaun (Watson) play the way that he does, and he just let it rip and absorb hits and run around and improvise and all that kind of stuff, I mean, he’s such a baller. How does that fire you guys up to see him out there playing like that?
“I mean, he shows no fear. He loves to play the game, and I feel like he’s been playing the same way since he was a kid. Now, he doesn’t care about being tackled, doesn’t care about going downfield on his shoulder. He’s going to do all that because that’s who he is. He’s just a football player to the fullest. He’s not just a quarterback. He wants to make plays no matter what it takes, and he’ll risk life and limb, but he wants to win. And everyone has to be about that same mindset. When goes out there and does things like that, it inspires and motivates us to do the same thing.”
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