The future for Myles Garrett took a positive turn.
According to defensive coordinator Joe Woods, the former Cleveland Browns No. 1 overall pick is “in a good place.”
After missing six games in 2019 due to an indefinite suspension, Garrett’s reputation took a major hit.
However, it appears that Garrett is ready to take on the challenge of regaining his image as one of the best pass rushers in the league.
The Mindset
In the short time that Woods has taken to get to know Garrett, he sees the former Pro Bowler in a positive light.
Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods on Myles Garrett: “Right now, I think he is in a good place.”https://t.co/ksbdLUZVBK pic.twitter.com/rSTb0vtu2j
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) May 31, 2020
The Maturation Process
Before Garrett was suspended for his altercation with Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph, Garrett produced 10 sacks in 10 games.
Now, he is remembered as the football player that swung his helmet at Rudolph’s head.
However, Woods believes that Garrett will become a more mature player due to his past incident and the fallout from that situation.
“I think as a young player in this league, you go through a lot of different things so I definitely think he is going to learn and grow from the situation that happened last year,” Woods said. “We really have not talked about it after he got back and after he was reinstated. He is focused on getting better. He is focused on being a good teammate. He has been in the meetings. He is trying to step up and take more of a leadership role. I definitely think he is moving in the right direction and has the right mindset.”
Restoring the Reputation
In 2018, Garrett recorded 13.5 sacks, 84 pressures, and 29 quarterback hits.
In 10 games, Garrett finished 2019 with 29 tackles, 10 sacks, 18 quarterback hits, and 46 pressures.
#Browns Fact of the Day:
Two years ago, Myles Garrett recorded 13.5 sacks during the 2018 season.
Only .5 sacks away from tying the Browns single-season sack record (14.0) set by Reggie Camp in 1984. pic.twitter.com/yscpDWDnnt
— Everything Cleveland (@EverythingCLE_) May 30, 2020
Then again, this wasn’t his first incident.
In Week 1, Garrett punched Titans tight end Delanie Walker after the whistle.
Then, in Week 2, he ended New York Jets quarterback Trevor Siemian‘s season with a late hit.
The hit caused a $52,000 fine.
Again, Garrett has the ability to be one of the best pass rushers in the league, but his reputation was soiled from the brawl.
In 2020, Woods claims he is hoping to change that.
NEXT: How Will Benny LeMay Impact The Browns In 2020?“He is focused on getting better,” said Woods. “He is focused on being a good teammate. He has been in the meetings. He is trying to step up and take more of a leadership role. I definitely think he is moving in the right direction and has the right mindset.”