Jim Schwartz Praises Myles Garrett Run Defense
The former coach reflects on his time with the star pass rusher following his trade to the Los Angeles Rams.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Football
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Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz highlighted Myles Garrett's run defense skills as a critical asset. This praise arrives following Garrett's trade to the Los Angeles Rams during the 2026 offseason.
Why it matters
Schwartz and Garrett collaborated for three seasons, during which the defensive standout earned two Defensive Player of the Year awards. The relationship provides context on the defensive philosophy Garrett brought to Cleveland before his departure.
The Browns defense maintains a top five pressure rate and has successfully held opponents under 300 passing yards for 50 consecutive games. Garrett himself achieved two Defensive Player of the Year awards during his tenure in Cleveland.
The players
Jim Schwartz
He is the current defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns who previously held coaching roles in Tennessee and Philadelphia.
Myles Garrett
He is an elite defensive end who earned two Defensive Player of the Year awards before being traded to the Los Angeles Rams.
Cleveland Browns
This professional football team is based in Cleveland and currently maintains a top-tier defensive pressure rate.
Los Angeles Rams
This professional football team is based in Los Angeles and acquired Myles Garrett in a trade during the 2026 offseason.
Jared Verse
He is a defensive player who was acquired by the Cleveland Browns as part of the trade involving Myles Garrett.
The details
Schwartz emphasized that Garrett consistently generated negative plays on early downs by blending elite pass-rushing ability with disciplined run defense. In exchange for Garrett, the Cleveland Browns acquired defensive player Jared Verse along with additional draft capital.
Timeline
The Cleveland Browns traded Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams during the 2026 offseason.
The Browns have held opposing teams without a 300-yard passer over their last 50 games.
Season Trajectory
The departure of a two-time Defensive Player of the Year represents a significant shift for the Cleveland Browns defense as they integrate new assets like Jared Verse. This trade alters the competitive landscape of the division and requires the team to maintain its high pressure rate without its former leader.
Fantasy managers should note that the loss of Garrett may influence the total sacks and pressure numbers recorded by the Cleveland defense in future matchups. Additionally, the inclusion of Jared Verse in the rotation creates a new variable for calculating the Browns' defensive efficiency for the remainder of the season.
The takeaway
Schwartz's endorsement underscores that elite defensive production is built on consistent, high-impact plays during early downs rather than just pass-rush totals. Developing versatile defenders who can stop the run remains the primary goal for teams aiming for top-tier defensive rankings.
Further reading
For more on roster moves and team performance, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Browns Nation.
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Is consistent run defense more valuable to your local team than high sack totals?
