The Cleveland Browns may be sitting at 3-10, but don’t let the record fool you - this defense, and more specifically, Myles Garrett, is a serious problem for the Chicago Bears heading into this week’s matchup.
At the center of Cleveland’s defensive storm is Garrett, a six-time Pro Bowler and former Defensive Player of the Year who is putting together one of the most dominant pass-rushing seasons we’ve seen in a long time. With 20 sacks already on the year, he's just three away from breaking the NFL’s single-season sack record - and he’s doing it while facing double and even triple teams on a regular basis.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson knows exactly what kind of challenge his team is up against.
“He’s just a complete player,” Johnson said. “Size, strength, speed - he’s got the full package.
You watch the tape, and it’s not just the numbers. It’s how he’s getting them.
The amount of attention he draws from opposing lines, and yet he still finds a way to get to the quarterback. It’s remarkable.
No doubt, it’s been a special season for him.”
Garrett’s presence is going to force the Bears to make some tough decisions up front. All eyes will be on their offensive tackles - Darnell Wright and rookie Ozzy Trapilo - who will be tasked with slowing down the most dominant edge rusher they’ve faced all season.
Wright has been a bright spot for Chicago and is playing at a Pro Bowl level. But the Browns may look to exploit the other side, where Trapilo, a second-round rookie, has recently taken over the left tackle job from Theo Benedet.
Trapilo’s shown flashes - especially in pass protection - but this is a whole different animal. Garrett has made a habit of wrecking game plans, and you can bet Cleveland will test the rookie early and often.
To help with the pressure, don’t be surprised if the Bears lean more on tight end Cole Kmet as an extra blocker. Kmet’s been praised for his blocking all season, and he may spend more time helping chip or double Garrett than running routes. That opens the door for rookie Colston Loveland to take on a bigger pass-catching role at tight end.
No matter how you slice it, Garrett is a nightmare matchup - not just for Chicago, but for every offensive line in the league. The Bears' challenge is clear: do what most teams haven’t been able to do this season - slow him down. Whether that means max protection, quick throws, or creative play design, they’ll need every tool in the box to keep Garrett from wrecking the game.