Myles Garrett returned to the field with immediate impact, recording three sacks and six pressures on 27 pass rushes during the Los Angeles Rams’ 20-13 victory over the Washington Commanders. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the defensive end’s return to health was palpable, as he generated consistent pressure without the limitations that plagued his earlier appearances. This performance marks a significant turning point for the Rams’ defense, which has long sought a reliable closer since Aaron Donald’s initial retirement in the 2024 offseason.
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Garrett’s path back to full strength has been arduous, having attempted to play through a knee injury in Week 1 where he recorded no stats in 40 snaps. He subsequently underwent arthroscopic surgery and missed time before re-entering the lineup on Sunday. Reflecting on his return, Garrett stated via ESPN’s Sarah Barshop, “Man, it was a weight off my shoulders, just getting back to who I am.” He acknowledged that while he is not yet at his peak physical level, the performance serves as a crucial confidence booster for the rest of the season.
Sunday’s outing marked the ninth three-sack game of Garrett’s career, bringing his total to 128.5 sacks and reinforcing his status as the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. The Rams’ acquisition of Garrett was specifically designed to fill the void left by Donald, and his immediate effectiveness in his second game validates that strategic decision. By delivering dominant pass-rush numbers, Garrett has re-established himself as the premier edge defender in the NFL, setting a high bar for his future performances.
Source: Yahoo Sports
