CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Browns defense is locked and loaded to once again show why it’s among the best the NFL has to offer. The edge rusher duo of Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith played an integral part in their dominance.
So much so that they could be the best edge duo in the league, and here’s why.
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Garrett dominated the 2023 season on his way to his first Defensive Player of the Year award. A shoulder injury suffered in the second half of the season slowed his production, but he still finished with 42 tackles, four forced fumbles and tied for seventh in sacks (14.0).
Among edge rushers, Garrett finished first in overall defense grade (93.6), 17th in run defense (77.4), and first in pass rushing (94.8) according to Pro Football Focus. He also tied for seventh in total pressures (86) and ranked 12th in defensive stops (37).
Smith’s presence was made with his 27 tackles and one forced fumble. Though he didn’t get many sacks with five on the year, he still ranked 23rd in total pressures (61) among edge rushers.
Smith also helped Cleveland’s PFF pass rush grade improve from eighth in 2022 (75.4) to first in 2023 (91.3).
Check out the video at the top of this post to watch Sports 4 CLE host Dave Bacon and The Browns Wire’s Jacob Roach respond to who Pro Football Focus listed as the NFL’s best edge rusher duo entering the 2024 season.
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