Browns' Garrett 'due,' wants to leave impression on Mahomes
CLEVELAND (AP) - Myles Garrett has only respect for Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, a generational talent on another level from other players in the NFL.
Reverence aside, Garrett hopes to make Mahomes remember meeting him in the playoffs.
Forever.
'œI want him to be able to go home when he has his kid or kids and tell them that he went against Myles Garrett,'ť the Browns' star defensive end said Friday after he and his teammates had their last full practice before facing top-seeded Kansas City in Sunday's divisional playoff game.
'ťIt is not just me versus him - it is the Browns versus the Chiefs," Garrett said. "But individually, I like to leave an impression on everybody I go against.'ť
Garrett's ready to take on the Super Bowl champions, and he believes the Browns (12-5) are as well.
Cleveland's not being given much of a chance at Arrowhead Stadium, but that was the case a week ago when the Browns went into Heinz Field as underdogs and stunned the Steelers despite missing their coach and two top players because of COVID-19.
The Browns are healthier, and Garrett insists hungrier. Satisfaction hasn't been attained.
'œYou have to prove what you are worth day in and day out,'ť Garett said. "Every time those lights are on and we are on the field, we have to show that we are a great team. Here is another opportunity to show that.'ť
It's a monumental task for the Browns, who will be facing an offense with no weaknesses and a quarterback capable of turning the mundane into magical.
There is no one like Mahomes, who has 38 TD passes this season and can lean on playoff experience Garrett and the Browns lack.
'œHe is kind of regarded as the face of the league right now,'ť Garrett said.
Since coming back after missing two games with COVID-19, Garrett has played well but isn't delivering the same game-swinging plays he did earlier this season, when strip-sacks, fumble recoveries were common place for the All-Pro.
Garrett's been close. He wants to be closer this week against Mahomes.
'œI'm due,'ť Garrett said.
Is now the time?
"Absolutely. This should be the game to do it,'ť said Garrett. 'œOne of the best teams in the league, if not the best team in the league, but they have to go in there and they have to prove it, and we have to prove that we can battle with anybody.'ť
Garrett has done plenty of studying on Mahomes, and knows the Browns can't take a play off. None.
The key to stopping the Chiefs is forcing mistakes, and Mahomes rarely makes any.
'œThe guy is great with his feet and he is great throwing off of the run,'ť Garrett said. 'œHe can make plays in any part of the field so we have to be prepared for that. Do not jump for those ball fakes. If you take your shot at him, make it clean and try to take the ball away from him.
'œThe best place to be on the field with Patrick is with the ball in our hands instead of him because he is great with it.'ť
The Browns have gone further than anyone outside the team expected.
Garrett wants to keep going.
'œWe are here. We might as well be great,'ť he said. 'œNobody is excited about just getting a ticket to the dance. Like I said, you want to dance with the pretty girl. You want to shoot your shot, and the worst she can say is no.
'œAs long as you go out there and you take your best shot, you will be proud of the result, but we are not satisfied until we see how far we can get.'ť
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