Myles Garrett Positions: Exploring His Role On The Browns
Hey guys! Let's dive into the different positions and roles that the incredible Myles Garrett plays for the Cleveland Browns. Knowing where he lines up and what he does helps us appreciate just how impactful he is on the field. So, buckle up as we explore the various facets of Garrett's game and understand why he's such a force to be reckoned with!
Defensive End: The Primary Role
Defensive End is where Myles Garrett makes his bread and butter. This is his primary position, and it's where he spends the majority of his time on the field. As a defensive end, Garrett's main objective is to disrupt the opponent's offense by pressuring the quarterback and stopping the run. He typically lines up on the edge of the defensive line, either on the strong side (the side with the tight end) or the weak side (the side without a tight end), depending on the defensive scheme and the opponent's formation. From this position, he uses his incredible speed, strength, and technique to get past offensive linemen and wreak havoc in the backfield.
Garrett's responsibilities as a defensive end are multifaceted. When it's a passing play, his focus is on rushing the quarterback. He uses a combination of speed rushes, power moves, and finesse techniques to beat his blocker and get to the QB. His explosive first step and relentless pursuit make him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Even if he doesn't get a sack, applying pressure can force the quarterback to make hurried throws or create opportunities for other defenders to make a play. In running situations, Garrett needs to set the edge, preventing the running back from getting outside. This requires strength and discipline to hold his ground against offensive linemen and quickly disengage to make a tackle. He must read the play quickly and react accordingly, filling gaps and disrupting the running lanes.
What makes Garrett such an exceptional defensive end is his versatility. He isn't just a one-dimensional pass rusher; he’s also a capable run defender. He consistently demonstrates the ability to diagnose plays, shed blocks, and make tackles. His presence on the edge forces offenses to account for him on every snap, often requiring double-teams or chip blocks from running backs and tight ends. This, in turn, can create opportunities for his teammates, making the entire defense more effective. Moreover, Garrett's athleticism allows him to cover a lot of ground, chasing down plays from the backside and making tackles downfield. This level of effort and ability is what separates him from many other defensive ends in the league and makes him a true game-changer for the Browns.
Situational Linebacker
Sometimes, you'll see Myles Garrett lining up as a situational linebacker, adding another layer to his already impressive versatility. This usually happens in specific defensive packages or on obvious passing downs where the Browns want to maximize their pass-rushing potential. In these situations, Garrett might line up as an outside linebacker, either standing up or with his hand in the dirt. The goal here is to exploit mismatches and create confusion for the offensive line. By aligning in a different spot, Garrett can take advantage of different angles and leverage points to get to the quarterback.
When Garrett plays as a linebacker, his role is primarily to rush the passer. However, he might also be asked to drop into coverage on occasion, especially in zone blitz schemes. This requires him to be athletic and adaptable, capable of reading the quarterback's eyes and reacting quickly. While coverage isn't his strongest suit, his presence alone can disrupt the quarterback's rhythm and force him to make quicker decisions. More often than not, though, the Browns want Garrett using his pass-rushing skills from a linebacker position to confuse blocking schemes and create favorable matchups.
The benefits of using Garrett as a situational linebacker are numerous. First, it adds an element of surprise to the defense. The offense has to account for his presence no matter where he lines up, and shifting him around makes it harder to predict what the defense is going to do. Second, it allows the Browns to get their best pass rushers on the field at the same time. By moving Garrett to linebacker, they can bring in another defensive end or pass-rushing specialist, creating even more pressure on the quarterback. Third, it can exploit mismatches. For example, Garrett might be lined up against a slower offensive tackle or a less experienced player, giving him a significant advantage. This versatility makes Garrett an invaluable asset to the Browns' defense, allowing them to be creative and adaptable in their approach.
Interior Defensive Line
While it's less common, there are situations where Myles Garrett might line up on the interior defensive line, playing as a defensive tackle. This typically happens in obvious passing situations where the Browns want to overload the interior of the offensive line and create maximum pressure up the middle. In these scenarios, Garrett's speed and athleticism can be a major asset, as he can exploit slower interior linemen and disrupt the quarterback's pocket.
When Garrett plays on the interior, his primary goal is to penetrate the offensive line and get to the quarterback. He uses his quickness and agility to slip past blockers and create havoc in the backfield. Even if he doesn't get a sack, pressuring the quarterback from the inside can force him to move around in the pocket, making it harder for him to make accurate throws. This can also create opportunities for the defensive ends to get around the edge and finish the play. In addition to rushing the passer, Garrett also needs to be able to hold his ground against the run when he's playing on the interior. This requires strength and technique to anchor against offensive linemen and prevent them from opening up running lanes. While he might not be as big or strong as some of the more traditional defensive tackles, his athleticism and relentless effort make him a disruptive force on the inside.
Using Garrett on the interior is a strategic move that can pay dividends in certain situations. It allows the Browns to take advantage of his unique skill set and create mismatches against opposing offensive lines. By overloading the interior, they can force the quarterback to make quick decisions and increase the chances of a turnover. However, it's important to use Garrett on the interior sparingly, as it can take a toll on his body. Playing inside requires a different type of physicality than playing on the edge, and it's important to keep him fresh and healthy throughout the game. Nevertheless, his ability to line up on the interior adds another dimension to his game and makes him an even more valuable asset to the Browns' defense.
Special Teams
Okay, so special teams might not be where you'd expect to see a star like Myles Garrett, but in certain situations, his athleticism and determination can be utilized. While he isn't a regular on special teams, there might be instances where he's used on the field goal or extra point block unit. His length, speed, and ability to jump high make him a potential asset in trying to disrupt kicks.
On the field goal or extra point block unit, Garrett's role would be to try to get his hands on the ball as it's kicked. This requires excellent timing, quickness, and the ability to penetrate the offensive line. He would need to time his jump perfectly to get over the line and block the kick. Even if he doesn't actually block the kick, his presence alone can distract the kicker and potentially cause him to miss. In addition to trying to block kicks, Garrett might also be used to pressure the kicker or holder. By rushing off the edge, he can try to disrupt their timing and force them to make a mistake. This requires speed and agility, as well as the ability to avoid being held or blocked. While special teams play is often overlooked, it can be a crucial part of the game, and having a player like Garrett who can contribute in this area can be a significant advantage.
While it's not his primary role, Garrett's potential contributions on special teams highlight his overall athleticism and willingness to do whatever it takes to help his team win. It shows that he's not just a star player who only focuses on his own performance, but also a team player who's willing to put in the effort in all aspects of the game. Although his appearances on special teams might be rare, they demonstrate his versatility and commitment to the Browns' success.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Myles Garrett primarily plays defensive end, but his versatility allows him to contribute in various other positions, including situational linebacker, interior defensive line, and even potentially on special teams. This adaptability makes him an incredibly valuable asset to the Cleveland Browns. His ability to impact the game from multiple positions keeps opposing offenses on their toes and makes him a constant threat. Whether he's rushing the passer from the edge, disrupting the interior, or even contributing on special teams, Myles Garrett is a true game-changer. His presence on the field elevates the entire defense and makes the Browns a formidable opponent. Keep an eye on him, folks – he’s always got something up his sleeve! He is strong, agile, and ready to go!
