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Terry Pluto on Browns OTAs

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  • @orion said:

    I don't think I'm a fan of Hospital Ward playing a lot in the slot.  He'll wind up with another concussion or something.  

    Probably going to happen no matter where he plays.  Once you have rattled your brain a few times the odds are pretty steep it will continue.  If it happens again, if I were him I would seriously consider retirement.  But, it may already be too late.  He may already be destined to being a drooler by the time he is 65.

    @ballpeen said:

    If it happens again, if I were him I would seriously consider retirement.

    I thought he should've retired after the last one.

  • At Combine Dawand Jones (Ohio State)

    6-8

    374

    11 5/8"

    36 3/8"

    87 7/8"

    images.jpg.7cfd14bf4d1092012dd3008b4c0ef262.jpg senior bowl   

    today's look   Fx4hIs-XwAEBLIS.jpg.fca9d594090ff5d35f4249f38ef1ea11.jpg  

    “I’m not where I want to be, but I’m on track,” Jones said, via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. “I’m just losing weight every week, you know what I mean? It’s just what I need to do every week to be better.”

    “I told almost every team, turn on tape and you can just see it on my film,” he said. “I play with that anger and aggression. It just comes from the heart. You just don’t want nobody to touch the quarterback and that’s my main goal.”

    Jones has admittedly struggled with his conditioning, and he threw up on the field at the rookie mini-camp. But the Browns believe he has the talent to be a good pro offensive tackle, if he gets in shape and stays in shape.

    Team physicals were today.  Looks like DJ's weight is headed in the right direction 

  • @tiamat63 said:

     It's the NFL, you acclimate and play to the level, not the other way around.  And while I'm not going to use the word 'dim', there was a reason Grant's role was reduced at times.  But those reductions, especially at safety, harm the defense as a whole.  The Pats game was the first instance of that. 

    The general thought process of the typical run-of-the-mill fan is to get super duper excited when (if) they hear that their new Defensive Coordinator promises a "simple but aggressive defense". 

    That sounds great, until a well-run offense goes up against it and carves it up like a Thanksgiving turkey.

    @dutch-oven said:

    The general thought process of the typical run-of-the-mill fan is to get super duper excited when (if) they hear that their new Defensive Coordinator promises a "simple but aggressive defense". 

    That sounds great, until a well-run offense goes up against it and carves it up like a Thanksgiving turkey.

    Yeah but this is Cleveland - what could possibly go wrong?

  • At Combine Dawand Jones (Ohio State)

    6-8

    374

    11 5/8"

    36 3/8"

    87 7/8"

    images.jpg.7cfd14bf4d1092012dd3008b4c0ef262.jpg senior bowl   

    today's look   Fx4hIs-XwAEBLIS.jpg.fca9d594090ff5d35f4249f38ef1ea11.jpg  

    “I’m not where I want to be, but I’m on track,” Jones said, via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. “I’m just losing weight every week, you know what I mean? It’s just what I need to do every week to be better.”

    “I told almost every team, turn on tape and you can just see it on my film,” he said. “I play with that anger and aggression. It just comes from the heart. You just don’t want nobody to touch the quarterback and that’s my main goal.”

    Jones has admittedly struggled with his conditioning, and he threw up on the field at the rookie mini-camp. But the Browns believe he has the talent to be a good pro offensive tackle, if he gets in shape and stays in shape.

    Team physicals were today.  Looks like DJ's weight is headed in the right direction 

    @gumby73 said:

    At Combine Dawand Jones (Ohio State)

    6-8

    374

    11 5/8"

    36 3/8"

    87 7/8"

    images.jpg.7cfd14bf4d1092012dd3008b4c0ef262.jpg senior bowl   

    today's look   Fx4hIs-XwAEBLIS.jpg.fca9d594090ff5d35f4249f38ef1ea11.jpg  

    “I’m not where I want to be, but I’m on track,” Jones said, via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. “I’m just losing weight every week, you know what I mean? It’s just what I need to do every week to be better.”

    “I told almost every team, turn on tape and you can just see it on my film,” he said. “I play with that anger and aggression. It just comes from the heart. You just don’t want nobody to touch the quarterback and that’s my main goal.”

    Jones has admittedly struggled with his conditioning, and he threw up on the field at the rookie mini-camp. But the Browns believe he has the talent to be a good pro offensive tackle, if he gets in shape and stays in shape.

    Team physicals were today.  Looks like DJ's weight is headed in the right direction 

    Classic stuff!  That young man's got a lot of character right there - if he didn't throw it all up.  That's the kind of guy you want to devour a half gallon of mint chocolate chip ice cream with on the couch watching an aerobics class on TV.  

  • At Combine Dawand Jones (Ohio State)

    6-8

    374

    11 5/8"

    36 3/8"

    87 7/8"

    images.jpg.7cfd14bf4d1092012dd3008b4c0ef262.jpg senior bowl   

    today's look   Fx4hIs-XwAEBLIS.jpg.fca9d594090ff5d35f4249f38ef1ea11.jpg  

    “I’m not where I want to be, but I’m on track,” Jones said, via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. “I’m just losing weight every week, you know what I mean? It’s just what I need to do every week to be better.”

    “I told almost every team, turn on tape and you can just see it on my film,” he said. “I play with that anger and aggression. It just comes from the heart. You just don’t want nobody to touch the quarterback and that’s my main goal.”

    Jones has admittedly struggled with his conditioning, and he threw up on the field at the rookie mini-camp. But the Browns believe he has the talent to be a good pro offensive tackle, if he gets in shape and stays in shape.

    Team physicals were today.  Looks like DJ's weight is headed in the right direction 

    @gumby73 said:

    At Combine Dawand Jones (Ohio State)

    6-8

    374

    11 5/8"

    36 3/8"

    87 7/8"

    images.jpg.7cfd14bf4d1092012dd3008b4c0ef262.jpg senior bowl   

    today's look   Fx4hIs-XwAEBLIS.jpg.fca9d594090ff5d35f4249f38ef1ea11.jpg  

    “I’m not where I want to be, but I’m on track,” Jones said, via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. “I’m just losing weight every week, you know what I mean? It’s just what I need to do every week to be better.”

    “I told almost every team, turn on tape and you can just see it on my film,” he said. “I play with that anger and aggression. It just comes from the heart. You just don’t want nobody to touch the quarterback and that’s my main goal.”

    Jones has admittedly struggled with his conditioning, and he threw up on the field at the rookie mini-camp. But the Browns believe he has the talent to be a good pro offensive tackle, if he gets in shape and stays in shape.

    Team physicals were today.  Looks like DJ's weight is headed in the right direction 

    The guy needs to get in shape, but shape for a person that big.  The reality is he isn't ever going to have to run more than 10-15 yards. Probably more like 5-10 yards before the back is past him and blocking becomes pointless. For guys like that, 20 yard sprints is what I would have them do .I think sometimes coaches and trainers have a 1 way fits all, and that isn't the case.

  • @kvoethe said:

    Be a leader?

    And do what?  I am serious.  Standing around is being a leader?  Plus, who says Myles is or wants to be a leader?  You don't pin the leader tag on the donkey.  It just happens.  Some special teams player can emerge as a leader.  It doesn't have to be the best player.

    As fans we many times think the best player has to be the leader, but the players on the team determine who is the leader.

    @ballpeen said:

    And do what?  I am serious.  Standing around is being a leader?  Plus, who says Myles is or wants to be a leader?  You don't pin the leader tag on the donkey.  It just happens.  Some special teams player can emerge as a leader.  It doesn't have to be the best player.

    As fans we many times think the best player has to be the leader, but the players on the team determine who is the leader.

    https://heavy.com/sports/cleveland-browns/myles-garrett-otas-jim-schwartz/

  • @kvoethe said:

    Ooooh, my stalker is back.

    Oooh, the troll is back. 

    @dutch-oven said:

    Oooh, the troll is back. 

    https://heavy.com/sports/cleveland-browns/myles-garrett-otas-jim-schwartz/

    Im not the only one who thinks he should show up...douche oven

  • @dutch-oven said:

    Oooh, the troll is back. 

    https://heavy.com/sports/cleveland-browns/myles-garrett-otas-jim-schwartz/

    Im not the only one who thinks he should show up...douche oven

    @kvoethe said:

    https://heavy.com/sports/cleveland-browns/myles-garrett-otas-jim-schwartz/

    Im not the only one who thinks he should show up...douche oven

    But no one gives a shit what you think on here, troll. 

    But troll away!

  • @ballpeen said:

    And do what?  I am serious.  Standing around is being a leader?  Plus, who says Myles is or wants to be a leader?  You don't pin the leader tag on the donkey.  It just happens.  Some special teams player can emerge as a leader.  It doesn't have to be the best player.

    As fans we many times think the best player has to be the leader, but the players on the team determine who is the leader.

    https://heavy.com/sports/cleveland-browns/myles-garrett-otas-jim-schwartz/

    @kvoethe said:

    https://heavy.com/sports/cleveland-browns/myles-garrett-otas-jim-schwartz/

    That's cool.  I just don't see the big deal.

    Maybe because I have never seen Myles as a leader.  He hasn't demonstrated that since he was drafted.  Some people just don't fit in to that mold, so why try at this point?  As long as he plays well, I don't care about the leader part.

  • @ballpeen said:

    And do what?  I am serious.  Standing around is being a leader?  Plus, who says Myles is or wants to be a leader?  You don't pin the leader tag on the donkey.  It just happens.  Some special teams player can emerge as a leader.  It doesn't have to be the best player.

    As fans we many times think the best player has to be the leader, but the players on the team determine who is the leader.

    https://heavy.com/sports/cleveland-browns/myles-garrett-otas-jim-schwartz/

    @kvoethe said:

    https://heavy.com/sports/cleveland-browns/myles-garrett-otas-jim-schwartz/

    I'm one that wants everyone at the voluntaries.  Especially if you're one of the 'stars' of the team.  To me, it sets the wrong example.  The word 'team' is supposed to mean 'everyone'.  The author doesn't care about Bito or Chubb not being there...but is upset that Myles isn't there.  He doesn't get to pick who the team leader is.  Once things get rolling, the players will notice who the real team leaders are.  And I'm sure some of 'em were in attendance.  

    I agree with ballpeen.  I never thought of Myles as the team leader.  Or the team leader type.  The media et all have placed him in that roll.  And that's too bad because I don't think that roll suits him.  Landry was the leader type when he was here.  But that's not Myles.

  • I’ll care if Chubb and Myles show up to camp in July out of shape and pulling a hammy the first week. 

  • Considering the millions he gets paid, the helmet suspension etc.  He needs to show up.

  • @kvoethe said:

    https://heavy.com/sports/cleveland-browns/myles-garrett-otas-jim-schwartz/

    Im not the only one who thinks he should show up...douche oven

    But no one gives a shit what you think on here, troll. 

    But troll away!

    @dutch-oven said:

    But no one gives a shit what you think on here, troll. 

    But troll away!

    Keep settling for mediocrity...

  • I get both sides.

    New defense and playoffs/superbowl aspirations.  It certainly can't hurt for Myles to be there.

    Now the other side of the coin.  We don't know everything that's going on behind the scenes.  Myles is a smart veteran who may already has a handle on the new D schemes and when the time comes for training camp he'll be ready.

  • CLEVELAND, Ohio – Is this the year that Myles Garrett takes a big step forward?

     

    I was wondering about that when listening to the defensive end’s press conference during the Browns minicamp this week.

     

    I’m not talking about winning the Defensive Player of the Year award, which has been one of Garrett’s goals for years. Rather, how about becoming one of the real leaders of the defense?

     

    Looking at Garrett last week, I was thinking, “He’s getting close to 30. He’s been on the team for quite a while.”

     
     

    This is Garrett’s seventh season with the Browns, but he’s only 27.

     

    In terms of age and experience, he should be entering his pro football prime. Garrett has made four Pro Bowls. Twice, he has been a first team All-NFL selection. In the last five years, only T.J. Watt (70) has more sacks than Garrett (67).

     
     

    While there sometimes seems to be a sense Garrett can be even better on the field, he’s been highly productive.

     
     

    But it is time for more.

     
     
    JOE WOODS & MYLES GARRETT

    Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods didn't seem to connect well with Garrett.John Kuntz, cleveland.com

     
     

    DID THE BROWNS GIVE GARRETT SPECIAL TREATMENT?

     
     

    It’s doubtful former defensive coordinator Joe Woods seriously challenged Garrett. It’s hard to know if everything Jadeveon Clowney said was accurate in his blistering interview with cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot at the end of last season.

     

    That said, one of Clowney’s basic charges was that Garrett received special treatment. I’d heard Woods may have been guilty of that – or at least, some players on defense thought so.

     
     

    Maybe it’s a little thing, but remember when coach Kevin Stefanski asked the entire team to go to the Hall of Fame last summer? One significant player declined: Garrett.

     
     

    “I don’t want to go to the Hall of Fame until I’m in it,” Garrett told Cabot.

     
     

    Stefanski didn’t push the issue. A team trip to the Hall of Fame is a great idea, letting players know that the NFL didn’t begin with them. It’s a way to honor the players who came before. Other players on the team also noticed Garrett’s absence and the team’s lame response.

     
     

    Garrett’s irresponsible driving also was revealed last season when he was in an accident, as his history of being ticketed for dangerous speeding became public. I’ve heard his driving has since improved.

     
     
    Cleveland Browns hire Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator: Crowquill

    Illustration by Ted Crow for Crowquill. The Browns hired former Lions head coach Jim Schwartz to replace fired defensive coordinator Joe Woods.

     

    COACHES COME, COACHES GO

     
     

    Garrett has been exalted as a player dating back to high school. He was the No. 1 recruit in the country. At Texas A&M, Garrett set an SEC record for sacks by a freshman with 11.

     
     

    He was the No. 1 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, and immediately became Cleveland’s premier defensive player. He joined a team that was 1-15 before he arrived, then went 0-16 in his rookie season. He became a spokesman for the defense during his rookie year, when he was not prepared for that role. Simply too young at the age of 21.

     
     

    Garrett’s first NFL defensive coordinator was Gregg Williams, who did push the young defensive end. After Williams left following the 2018 season, Garrett said the defensive coordinator would allow him to only use “two moves” rushing the passer.

     
     

    Then Garrett had Steve Wilks as his defensive coordinator in 2019. Next came Woods, from 2020-22.

     
     

    Enter Jim Schwartz, the fourth defensive coordinator for Garrett in seven seasons. Schwartz is experienced, respected and generally loved by the defensive linemen he’s coached in the past.

     
     
    IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL

    Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is right there with his players during practice. John Kuntz, cleveland.com

     

    A NEW ERA?

     
     

    Garrett has longed for more freedom rushing the passer – also, more help on the defensive line.

     
     

    GM Andrew Berry hired Schwartz, then made major upgrades by trading for defensive end Za’Darius Smith, along with signing veteran free agents Dalvin Tomlinson and Ogbo Okoronkwo.

     
     

    By far, this is the most talent group lining up with Garrett since he came to the Browns.

     
     

    “You have a lot of guys who have just been waiting on this opportunity that we have,” Garrett said. “This freedom that we’ve been given ... I know Schwartz likes to say, ‘Take off the seatbelt.’ I think that’s really the mindset. You get out there and you’re just letting it loose. Don’t worry about all these rules and doing all this as soon as you know your assignment. After that, you get off the ball ... get to the ball.”

     
     

    Schwartz is naturally excited to have Garrett.

     
     

    “I have been very fortunate over my career to be blessed with some really good defensive linemen,” said Schwartz the day he was hired. “We run a very D-line-friendly scheme that eliminates a lot of conflict for those guys ... We sort of let those guys go and be disruptive.”

     
     

    That’s the general approach. Then Schwartz turned to Garrett.

     

    “I think that every offense we will play will probably start with that – how do we neutralize Myles Garrett and how do we keep him from wrecking this game?” he said. “It’s my job to give him some answers and put some pieces scheme-wise and personnel-wise around him to allow him to be free and more productive... The bar is set really high for a good reason.”

     
     

    No one is questioning Garrett’s effort. He has played hard. He generally plays hard. He has missed only three games to injuries in the last five years. He also was suspended for six games in 2019 for his on-field brawl with Pittsburgh QB Mason Rudolph.

     
     

    Perhaps earlier in his career, Garrett may not have been as receptive of the tough coaching he’ll receive from Schwartz. This should be different. This should be better. Garrett should be ready to embrace a defensive leadership role on the field – and off it. The right things are now in place for him to do so.

     
     

    HEAR ME TALK

     
     

    1. On June 27 at 6:30 pm, I will be at the Rodman Library in Alliance. It’s free. I’ll take questions, sign books, meet fans. Call 330-821-2665 to register or do so on line.

     
     

    2. On July 11 at 6 p.m., I will be at the Lake Community Library at 565 Market Street SW, Uniontown. You can register on line or call 330-877-9975.

     
     

    3. On July 25 at 6 p.m., I will be at the Ritter Library in Vermilion.

  • Myles is at a crossroads of sorts.

    Before he has had coordinators he could blame to some degree, or at least he so thought and people went along with that.

    Schwartz is different.  He is highly qualified and has had great success with his defensive lines.  

  • Myles is at a crossroads of sorts.

    Before he has had coordinators he could blame to some degree, or at least he so thought and people went along with that.

    Schwartz is different.  He is highly qualified and has had great success with his defensive lines.  

    @ballpeen said:

    Myles is at a crossroads of sorts.

    Before he has had coordinators he could blame to some degree, or at least he so thought and people went along with that.

    Schwartz is different.  He is highly qualified and has had great success with his defensive lines.  

    I'm a little confused by the second line.

    Garrett is a perennial Pro-Bowler. What is he blaming on ex-DCs that people go along with? 

  • sydS syd

    CLEVELAND, Ohio – Is this the year that Myles Garrett takes a big step forward?

     

    I was wondering about that when listening to the defensive end’s press conference during the Browns minicamp this week.

     

    I’m not talking about winning the Defensive Player of the Year award, which has been one of Garrett’s goals for years. Rather, how about becoming one of the real leaders of the defense?

     

    Looking at Garrett last week, I was thinking, “He’s getting close to 30. He’s been on the team for quite a while.”

     
     

    This is Garrett’s seventh season with the Browns, but he’s only 27.

     

    In terms of age and experience, he should be entering his pro football prime. Garrett has made four Pro Bowls. Twice, he has been a first team All-NFL selection. In the last five years, only T.J. Watt (70) has more sacks than Garrett (67).

     
     

    While there sometimes seems to be a sense Garrett can be even better on the field, he’s been highly productive.

     
     

    But it is time for more.

     
     
    JOE WOODS & MYLES GARRETT

    Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods didn't seem to connect well with Garrett.John Kuntz, cleveland.com

     
     

    DID THE BROWNS GIVE GARRETT SPECIAL TREATMENT?

     
     

    It’s doubtful former defensive coordinator Joe Woods seriously challenged Garrett. It’s hard to know if everything Jadeveon Clowney said was accurate in his blistering interview with cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot at the end of last season.

     

    That said, one of Clowney’s basic charges was that Garrett received special treatment. I’d heard Woods may have been guilty of that – or at least, some players on defense thought so.

     
     

    Maybe it’s a little thing, but remember when coach Kevin Stefanski asked the entire team to go to the Hall of Fame last summer? One significant player declined: Garrett.

     
     

    “I don’t want to go to the Hall of Fame until I’m in it,” Garrett told Cabot.

     
     

    Stefanski didn’t push the issue. A team trip to the Hall of Fame is a great idea, letting players know that the NFL didn’t begin with them. It’s a way to honor the players who came before. Other players on the team also noticed Garrett’s absence and the team’s lame response.

     
     

    Garrett’s irresponsible driving also was revealed last season when he was in an accident, as his history of being ticketed for dangerous speeding became public. I’ve heard his driving has since improved.

     
     
    Cleveland Browns hire Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator: Crowquill

    Illustration by Ted Crow for Crowquill. The Browns hired former Lions head coach Jim Schwartz to replace fired defensive coordinator Joe Woods.

     

    COACHES COME, COACHES GO

     
     

    Garrett has been exalted as a player dating back to high school. He was the No. 1 recruit in the country. At Texas A&M, Garrett set an SEC record for sacks by a freshman with 11.

     
     

    He was the No. 1 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, and immediately became Cleveland’s premier defensive player. He joined a team that was 1-15 before he arrived, then went 0-16 in his rookie season. He became a spokesman for the defense during his rookie year, when he was not prepared for that role. Simply too young at the age of 21.

     
     

    Garrett’s first NFL defensive coordinator was Gregg Williams, who did push the young defensive end. After Williams left following the 2018 season, Garrett said the defensive coordinator would allow him to only use “two moves” rushing the passer.

     
     

    Then Garrett had Steve Wilks as his defensive coordinator in 2019. Next came Woods, from 2020-22.

     
     

    Enter Jim Schwartz, the fourth defensive coordinator for Garrett in seven seasons. Schwartz is experienced, respected and generally loved by the defensive linemen he’s coached in the past.

     
     
    IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL

    Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is right there with his players during practice. John Kuntz, cleveland.com

     

    A NEW ERA?

     
     

    Garrett has longed for more freedom rushing the passer – also, more help on the defensive line.

     
     

    GM Andrew Berry hired Schwartz, then made major upgrades by trading for defensive end Za’Darius Smith, along with signing veteran free agents Dalvin Tomlinson and Ogbo Okoronkwo.

     
     

    By far, this is the most talent group lining up with Garrett since he came to the Browns.

     
     

    “You have a lot of guys who have just been waiting on this opportunity that we have,” Garrett said. “This freedom that we’ve been given ... I know Schwartz likes to say, ‘Take off the seatbelt.’ I think that’s really the mindset. You get out there and you’re just letting it loose. Don’t worry about all these rules and doing all this as soon as you know your assignment. After that, you get off the ball ... get to the ball.”

     
     

    Schwartz is naturally excited to have Garrett.

     
     

    “I have been very fortunate over my career to be blessed with some really good defensive linemen,” said Schwartz the day he was hired. “We run a very D-line-friendly scheme that eliminates a lot of conflict for those guys ... We sort of let those guys go and be disruptive.”

     
     

    That’s the general approach. Then Schwartz turned to Garrett.

     

    “I think that every offense we will play will probably start with that – how do we neutralize Myles Garrett and how do we keep him from wrecking this game?” he said. “It’s my job to give him some answers and put some pieces scheme-wise and personnel-wise around him to allow him to be free and more productive... The bar is set really high for a good reason.”

     
     

    No one is questioning Garrett’s effort. He has played hard. He generally plays hard. He has missed only three games to injuries in the last five years. He also was suspended for six games in 2019 for his on-field brawl with Pittsburgh QB Mason Rudolph.

     
     

    Perhaps earlier in his career, Garrett may not have been as receptive of the tough coaching he’ll receive from Schwartz. This should be different. This should be better. Garrett should be ready to embrace a defensive leadership role on the field – and off it. The right things are now in place for him to do so.

     
     

    HEAR ME TALK

     
     

    1. On June 27 at 6:30 pm, I will be at the Rodman Library in Alliance. It’s free. I’ll take questions, sign books, meet fans. Call 330-821-2665 to register or do so on line.

     
     

    2. On July 11 at 6 p.m., I will be at the Lake Community Library at 565 Market Street SW, Uniontown. You can register on line or call 330-877-9975.

     
     

    3. On July 25 at 6 p.m., I will be at the Ritter Library in Vermilion.

    @syd said:

    CLEVELAND, Ohio – Is this the year that Myles Garrett takes a big step forward?

     

    I was wondering about that when listening to the defensive end’s press conference during the Browns minicamp this week.

     

    I’m not talking about winning the Defensive Player of the Year award, which has been one of Garrett’s goals for years. Rather, how about becoming one of the real leaders of the defense?

     

    Looking at Garrett last week, I was thinking, “He’s getting close to 30. He’s been on the team for quite a while.”

     
     

    This is Garrett’s seventh season with the Browns, but he’s only 27.

     

    In terms of age and experience, he should be entering his pro football prime. Garrett has made four Pro Bowls. Twice, he has been a first team All-NFL selection. In the last five years, only T.J. Watt (70) has more sacks than Garrett (67).

     
     

    While there sometimes seems to be a sense Garrett can be even better on the field, he’s been highly productive.

     
     

    But it is time for more.

     
     
    JOE WOODS & MYLES GARRETT

    Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods didn't seem to connect well with Garrett.John Kuntz, cleveland.com

     
     

    DID THE BROWNS GIVE GARRETT SPECIAL TREATMENT?

     
     

    It’s doubtful former defensive coordinator Joe Woods seriously challenged Garrett. It’s hard to know if everything Jadeveon Clowney said was accurate in his blistering interview with cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot at the end of last season.

     

    That said, one of Clowney’s basic charges was that Garrett received special treatment. I’d heard Woods may have been guilty of that – or at least, some players on defense thought so.

     
     

    Maybe it’s a little thing, but remember when coach Kevin Stefanski asked the entire team to go to the Hall of Fame last summer? One significant player declined: Garrett.

     
     

    “I don’t want to go to the Hall of Fame until I’m in it,” Garrett told Cabot.

     
     

    Stefanski didn’t push the issue. A team trip to the Hall of Fame is a great idea, letting players know that the NFL didn’t begin with them. It’s a way to honor the players who came before. Other players on the team also noticed Garrett’s absence and the team’s lame response.

     
     

    Garrett’s irresponsible driving also was revealed last season when he was in an accident, as his history of being ticketed for dangerous speeding became public. I’ve heard his driving has since improved.

     
     
    Cleveland Browns hire Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator: Crowquill

    Illustration by Ted Crow for Crowquill. The Browns hired former Lions head coach Jim Schwartz to replace fired defensive coordinator Joe Woods.

     

    COACHES COME, COACHES GO

     
     

    Garrett has been exalted as a player dating back to high school. He was the No. 1 recruit in the country. At Texas A&M, Garrett set an SEC record for sacks by a freshman with 11.

     
     

    He was the No. 1 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, and immediately became Cleveland’s premier defensive player. He joined a team that was 1-15 before he arrived, then went 0-16 in his rookie season. He became a spokesman for the defense during his rookie year, when he was not prepared for that role. Simply too young at the age of 21.

     
     

    Garrett’s first NFL defensive coordinator was Gregg Williams, who did push the young defensive end. After Williams left following the 2018 season, Garrett said the defensive coordinator would allow him to only use “two moves” rushing the passer.

     
     

    Then Garrett had Steve Wilks as his defensive coordinator in 2019. Next came Woods, from 2020-22.

     
     

    Enter Jim Schwartz, the fourth defensive coordinator for Garrett in seven seasons. Schwartz is experienced, respected and generally loved by the defensive linemen he’s coached in the past.

     
     
    IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL

    Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is right there with his players during practice. John Kuntz, cleveland.com

     

    A NEW ERA?

     
     

    Garrett has longed for more freedom rushing the passer – also, more help on the defensive line.

     
     

    GM Andrew Berry hired Schwartz, then made major upgrades by trading for defensive end Za’Darius Smith, along with signing veteran free agents Dalvin Tomlinson and Ogbo Okoronkwo.

     
     

    By far, this is the most talent group lining up with Garrett since he came to the Browns.

     
     

    “You have a lot of guys who have just been waiting on this opportunity that we have,” Garrett said. “This freedom that we’ve been given ... I know Schwartz likes to say, ‘Take off the seatbelt.’ I think that’s really the mindset. You get out there and you’re just letting it loose. Don’t worry about all these rules and doing all this as soon as you know your assignment. After that, you get off the ball ... get to the ball.”

     
     

    Schwartz is naturally excited to have Garrett.

     
     

    “I have been very fortunate over my career to be blessed with some really good defensive linemen,” said Schwartz the day he was hired. “We run a very D-line-friendly scheme that eliminates a lot of conflict for those guys ... We sort of let those guys go and be disruptive.”

     
     

    That’s the general approach. Then Schwartz turned to Garrett.

     

    “I think that every offense we will play will probably start with that – how do we neutralize Myles Garrett and how do we keep him from wrecking this game?” he said. “It’s my job to give him some answers and put some pieces scheme-wise and personnel-wise around him to allow him to be free and more productive... The bar is set really high for a good reason.”

     
     

    No one is questioning Garrett’s effort. He has played hard. He generally plays hard. He has missed only three games to injuries in the last five years. He also was suspended for six games in 2019 for his on-field brawl with Pittsburgh QB Mason Rudolph.

     
     

    Perhaps earlier in his career, Garrett may not have been as receptive of the tough coaching he’ll receive from Schwartz. This should be different. This should be better. Garrett should be ready to embrace a defensive leadership role on the field – and off it. The right things are now in place for him to do so.

     
     

    HEAR ME TALK

     
     

    1. On June 27 at 6:30 pm, I will be at the Rodman Library in Alliance. It’s free. I’ll take questions, sign books, meet fans. Call 330-821-2665 to register or do so on line.

     
     

    2. On July 11 at 6 p.m., I will be at the Lake Community Library at 565 Market Street SW, Uniontown. You can register on line or call 330-877-9975.

     
     

    3. On July 25 at 6 p.m., I will be at the Ritter Library in Vermilion.

    Thanks for sharing that Syd - Good stuff!  I'm starting to sound like more Tommy Chong instead of Tom Flugel.  Pluto is my favorite sports writer to read.. While he's a big fan - he keeps it real and he's always writing about areas of team I'm thinking about or have concerns/questions about.  

    There is 1 little irony in that article; and I know I'm not the only one that caught it. I hope Schwartz goes back and clarifies with Myles that he only means take off the seat belts on the football field.

  • @ballpeen said:

    Myles is at a crossroads of sorts.

    Before he has had coordinators he could blame to some degree, or at least he so thought and people went along with that.

    Schwartz is different.  He is highly qualified and has had great success with his defensive lines.  

    I'm a little confused by the second line.

    Garrett is a perennial Pro-Bowler. What is he blaming on ex-DCs that people go along with? 

    @dutch-oven said:

    Garrett is a perennial Pro-Bowler. What is he blaming on ex-DCs that people go along with?

    I think he's referencing Myles' comments last year criticizing the lack of defensive adjustments to stop the run during games.

    I'm sure that coaches, owners, GM's, etc. wish that the players weren't required to go do press conferences after games.  The media decides who they want the team leader(s) to be and too many of them feel the need to ask questions that might stir up some dirt....instead of asking somewhat more benign questions.  

    Again, I don't see Myles as the team leader type.  I feel as though he would have to force himself to be that type of person whereas to the right type of personality it just comes naturally.  I see him as a supportive 'second' to the team leader(s)...because of his talent, NFL experience and good guy quality.   - But that's just my take on him.