23 October 2023 , 17:12
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Myles Garrett was integral to the Cleveland Browns’ thrilling 39-38 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.
The 27-year-old made exceptional defensive plays for his team to leave the Lucas Oil Stadium with an important win in Week 7 of the 2023 NFL season. Garett made nine tackles, the most he has managed in a game since 2018. He also recorded two sacks, one pass breakup, and two forced fumbles, one of which led to a Browns defensive touchdown.
These numbers include one of the most spectacular plays of the season, which was blocking a field goal attempt. As Colts player Matt Gay stepped up to take the kick, Garett sprung into action and jumped over the Browns lineman to prevent the 60-yard attempt from adding more points to the Colts’ total.
A confident Garrett said after the game: “I like my chances against just about everybody. Whether it's one, two, three guys. I'm going to keep on rushing. Those big moments when you have to make a play, I'm ready to step up." Garrett is third in the NFL standings this season with 7.5 sacks, which is just half-sack behind Minnesota Vikings edge rusher Danielle Hunter and Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt.
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"Man, 95 is a problem. That's for sure," Browns teammate PJ Walker said about Garrett. "You can see them rally around him, you know what I'm saying? He makes big plays when the biggest plays need to be made and that's big for us." Browns coach Kevin Stefanski also assessed Garrett’s performance and how important his contributions were to an important victory.
"I think you go into every game with Myles anticipating you're going to like your matchups," Stefanski said. "He gets a ton of attention, and when he doesn't get attention — when he doesn't get that chip or that running back to his side — he can make a play." Garrett was the standout defender in what was a poor defensive display from the Browns as a collective.
The team conceded 38 points - the most all season, and things got worse thanks to an injury to starting quarterback Deshaun Watson. In the first quarter, he was pushed to the ground following an incomplete pass and appeared to hit his head on the turf.
Garrett helped the Browns defeat the Colts 39-38 to secure their fourth win of the season (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)The player seemed to suffer an injury to his right shoulder after he got back to his feet before he made a trip to the medical tent. Coach Stefanski made the decision for Watson not to return to the game, explaining afterward: "I just did not want to put him back out there.
"I wanted to protect our franchise quarterback." But the quarterback was keen to come back and help his teammates. "I want to go out there and try to help the team as much as possible," Watson said, via BrownsZone.com.
"Go out there and play and perform and compete. The decision was best for the team. They felt that was the best. PJ [Walker] did a great job of finishing the game."