Story by
Myles Garrett's Superman block against Eagles not enough to help Browns end losing streak
- Story by
- Myles Garrett's Superman block against Eagles not enough to help Browns end losing streak
PHILADELPHIA — Myles Garrett may or may not be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. The Browns defensive end, though, can leap tall human beings in one.
Garrett did it a year ago in a win at the Indianapolis Colts . He solidified his NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidacy in that game by leaping over Colts linemen to block a field goal.
Advertisement
On Sunday at the Philadelphia Eagles , Garrett did it again, blocking Jake Elliott 's 57-yard try, which Rodney McLeod returned 50 yards for a touchdown. While it provided a spark, it didn't light the Browns ' losing streak on fire, as they ended up losing 20-16 to the Eagles .
"Oh, I mean, whenever I see that play come up, I'm pretty certain that I'm going to get the block," Garrett said. "It's about whether we're going to score or not."
This time, the Browns were able to score. McLeod picked up the loose ball at midfield and found himself with a convoy to the end zone.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 13: Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns blocks a field goal attempt by Jake Elliott #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on October 13, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The safety did a forward flip into the end zone, which he never managed to reach while he was playing for the Eagles earlier in his career. It was the second time in three weeks McLeod has scored for the Browns, having returned a fumble for a touchdown in a Week 4 loss at the Las Vegas Raiders .
Advertisement
McLeod's two touchdowns are tied for the team lead with wide receiver Amari Cooper . It's the kind of stat that can summarize the Browns' frustrating 1-5 start.
"Nah, just control what we can control," McLeod said. "And right now we're whatever it takes to win. And if we got to score three touchdowns on defense, one on [special] teams and a couple from offense to get us a win, that's required. And so the play has no number assigned to it. It's just do your job, and when it's your time make sure you're there to make it. Seize the moment."
That's what Garrett seemed primed to do again with yet another Superman act. This time, he was able to perfectly time his leap so as to not touch any of the Eagles linemen.
There's a technique to it that Garrett appears to be just about the only defensive lineman in the league who's capable of doing it so well. Two such plays in a span of a little less than a calendar year would say that's the case.
"Yeah, I mean, you got to have your feet already ready," Garrett said. "You got to be able to get up. The main thing is getting down quick so you can pop up, get your hand up or get your hands up. At that point the ball's going to roll where it may. Fortunately [it] rolled our guy in Rod, and he made most of it."
Advertisement
When a player is as successful as Garrett has been in executing the play, it's fair to wonder how he perfected such a maneuver. The answer, for him, is quite simple.
"I jump over them in practice, too," Garrett said.
Garrett seemed determined to ruin the Eagles' day the same way he's ruined many a Browns' offensive practice with his ability. He didn't record a sack, but still found a way to wreak havoc in an attempt to provide his team with a spark
The All-Pro edge rusher had four tackles, all of them solo. He also had two tackles for loss.
And what could've been another defining moment in Garrett's career.
Advertisement
"For me, I'm just fired up to go out there and win," Garrett said. "I'm just trying to help my team as much as possible. We're trying to play complementary football as a whole on defense. I'm trying to do what I can. I'm making plays in the backfield, TFLs, I'm trying to get the ball out, just trying to light that spark like the coach has been talking about and continue to do it every time we step out there.
"Every play is an opportunity for that, and I'm just trying to take advantage of that."
Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on X at @ceasterlingABJ
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Myles Garrett's block not enough to help Browns snap losing skid
