The Cleveland Browns have gotten a lot out of Myles Garrett since making him the first overall pick in 2017. Garrett has been one of the few constants for the Browns defense since his arrival and, especially, during the 2020 season.
Known for his massive frame, quickness and ability to turn the corner, Garrett has 42.5 sacks so far in the NFL. That number is made more impressive when compared to only playing in 51 games during that time. Garrett missed 7 games due to injury in his four years and had a six-game suspension at the end of 2019.
While his sack numbers are often talked about it is his forced fumbles, often as a part of a strip-sack, that may be even more impressive. Garrett has 10 forced fumbles, including four last year, in the NFL. While fumble recoveries are almost always random (due to the odd-shaped ball and where players are on the field), Garrett has also learned how to strip the ball and acquire it at the same time.
A quick highlight video of Garrett’s strip-sacks shows just how adept he has become at it:
Myles Garrett being a strip sacking god pic.twitter.com/xZFSyueVUm
— Johnny Kinsley (Darnell Mooney Hive CEO) (@Brickwallblitz) July 9, 2021
With Cleveland adding a number of coverage players to the defense, Garrett could have more time to create forced fumbles/strip-sacks. His presence should also make it easier for new additions like Jadeveon Clowney, Takk McKinley and Malik Jackson to pad their stats.
Garrett is far from the NFL record at this point (54 by Robert Mathis) but could work his way up the list into the 30s and 40s if he continues on this pace.
A sack is very good for a defense. A forced fumble/strip sack is great for a defense. Garrett is becoming great at something that is great for his defense.