BEREA — Browns coach Hue Jackson hopes Myles Garrett will emerge as a dominating player over the next month-and-a-half.
Garrett, the rookie defensive end and first-overall NFL Draft pick, responded to his coach's challenge by collecting his fifth sack in six games in Sunday's loss to the Bengals.
Garrett bullied left tackle and former Texas A&M teammate Cedric Ogbuehi before crashing into quarterback Andy Dalton on a crucial third-and-7 in the second quarter. Though pleased with Garrett's performance, Jackson made clear he expects more from the talented edge rusher.
"I think he made some plays," Jackson said with a smile Monday. "Obviously, the sack was spectacular, but I think there's more in there. He needs to do that more, and he will."
Garrett, who totaled 31 sacks with the Aggies before coming to Cleveland, applied pressure on Dalton throughout the afternoon but agreed with his coach's analysis.
"I felt like I was close a couple of times, it was nice to get back there," he said, "But I've got to capitalize and make sure I keep on getting there. Those times that I'm close, I have to make sure I finish and actually get there and separate him from the ball."
Garrett, who missed four games with a high-ankle sprain and then another because of a concussion, will remain a key cog in Cleveland's defensive plans. As the Browns search for their first win of the season, there's a hope Garrett — in addition to many other young players on the roster — continue to grow with five weeks left.
"I think you're looking at players who are playing their tails off and trying as hard as they can," Jackson said.
"We have to continue to push them and continue to get them to the level we feel they need to be. That would be my challenge to him. I think there's more in there from him."
