DE Myles Garrett (9.29.23)
We just discovered that Deshaun (Watson) is questionable for this game with a shoulder injury. What impact does that have on you guys as you head into this game?
“We don’t live in uncertain. Whether he plays, doesn’t play, that’s not going to change our mentality going into the game. He’s going to make the best decision for himself as well as for his team and what he can put forth. But knowing him, he’s a baller. He’s fought through a lot of things, we think he’ll play, but if he doesn’t, we just have to up our intensity one more notch.”
From what you’ve seen of DTR (Dorian Thompson Robinson) in training camp and preseason games, if he has to step in there in this big game, what would you expect from him?
“I expect him to be ready.”
What strikes you regarding the rushing game?
“The rushing game? Everybody knows the rushing game over there, it’s got a number eight on it, and then those other guys are good as well. But that’s really the engine that gets them going. He’s the dynamo up there. I mean, those guys are good at running the ball. They want to knock up the ball, they want to give you a little window pressing and break runs down your throat. But the threat is if you mess up, it’s not just the running back that you have to worry about. It’s him going him going for 30 just like the running back going for 30. So it’s just that two-headed monster in the backfield.”
Jim (Schwartz) was talking yesterday about continuing to be aggressive and attack in the defense and not really change because of Lamar (Jackson). Is that different for you? Feels like in the past you said you kind of had to modify your rush because you don’t want Lamar scared.
“Well, he don’t care about that as much. He just says, go win and I’m going to go win.”
It’s that nice?
“Oh yeah. For me. For us, to have that kind of mentality when he says take the seatbelt off and play your game, that’s what we’re going to do.”
Jim also said yesterday, you all have to treat Lamar (Jackson) like he’s a running back, like he’s a receiver, but the rules are in place to protect the quarterback. So just how difficult is it to treat him that way while also at the same time playing within the rules of how you have to treat a quarterback?
“The way in which he means that it’s like when he escapes a pocket you’re not falling for it, not trying to jump and bat down the ball. He may throw it, he may not. If you jump, you don’t have to worry about him throwing it for 30. He’ll run by you and rush for 45. The guy dynamically leaves the pocket. You don’t want to give him that much room. So play him like he was running back and tackle him where the quarterback area is.”
How much of going against Lamar Jackson and that offense comes down to making those in game adjustments after you get a look at what they are doing?
“I mean, playing them is fun. There’s a lot to look at, but at the end of the day–just a physical game. We want them more one-on-one. Unfortunately for the big guys in the middle sometimes a little bit two-on-one. Around the edge, you have a lot of opportunities to make plays if you keep your eyes focused on what you need to and the same with the corners and the guys behind us. JOK (Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah) is licking his chomps and so are those linebackers.”
Did you get a chance to listen to Roquan Smith’s comments?
“No.”
He said he was going to feed you guys’ tails in front of your wives and kids.
“Oh. I don’t keep up with that. We’ll see.”
You guys historically in recent years done a fairly decent containing Lamar (Jackson). My question is how much from those previous games I know Jim (Schwartz) is coming with a different philosophy and scheme. He’s asking how much from some of those previous games can you bring forward and maybe try and incorporate because there was some tangible success there?
“We’re not playing the same scheme, so you can’t look at those old games. I got to look at what they’ve been doing this year. They’ve got different management over there so I can’t be focused on how they were before. There’s some similarities, of course, they still have a strong running game that hasn’t changed but when they’re trying to rush the ball and how they’re trying to rush the ball has changed just a little bit. So got to look at their tendencies and how those have changed just this year.”
Looks like Ronnie Stanley didn’t practice this today. How much of a difference if he doesn’t play?
“I like Ronnie. He’s a good guy. I’ve known him for a while. I don’t want him to play because he’s been unhealthy for a while now and I want to see him get back on the field and play this game at a very high level without risk of injury. I look forward to matching up again. He’s a really good left out but I don’t want him to risk injury. So it’s just a matter of him getting out there and having very low risk. There’s never no risk. I don’t think it would change much. It’s pretty much the same scheme as far as what they want to do. It’s Ronnie.”
Yesterday AWALK (Anthony Walker) said that Za’Darius (Smith) has helped you open up. Do you feel that way? Do you talk more? Are you more open with the eyes this year than you were in the past? Do you joke more?
“Maybe they didn’t appreciate my jokes last year. I don’t know.”
You haven’t noticed a change in yourself because of Za’Darius (Smith)?
“Maybe a little bit.”
What’s he like to be around every day?
“Like unbridled energy. The man wakes up like an energizer bunny, like strapped to his back or something. So it’s just contagious.”
Jim (Schwartz) said yesterday when we asked about your 3.5 sack performance, he said there’s more meat on that bone. He seems to be one of those tough love, put your arm around you type of a coach when you hear that kind of a comment.
“I love it. I’ve had coaches like that all my life. High school, college and up. They’ll see something in you that sometimes you can’t see in yourself. I agree with them. I’ve always believed there’s no reason to ever be satisfied with your performance. But even look at the film, there’s always a little bit more that you can get out of it. And he’s going to squeeze his limit until it drop. So keep on fighting to get better.”
# # #
***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.***