When the Los Angeles Rams added Myles Garrett, there was a lingering question about how he would be used and whether being on a new team would affect his effectiveness. A natural defensive end, some wondered if Garrett would be moved to outside linebacker in the Rams’ base 3-4 defense.
Would the Rams alter their defensive structure just for Garrett and his skill set? How would that affect the rest of the roster? The team is still figuring out what that will look like, and it’s a question that will have to be worked on as the season progresses. What isn’t subject to questioning is that the Rams are letting Garrett play with ultimate freedom, refusing to confine the stellar play of the All-Pro with overt rules and regulations.
Garrett spoke about that freedom, saying that as long as he’s in the right spot, the team does not care how he gets there.
“Yeah, I think that’s the best word for it,” replied Garrett when asked if the coaching staff allowed him to play more freely. “Playing with freedom, not being punished or critiqued for trying to make a play. There are guidelines and boundaries you’ve got to stay within in the defense, but as long as we put ourselves in the right spots, they’re all for it. Whether that’s the way I get there or the way Josaiah [Stewart] gets there or Desjuan [Johnson], it’s up to us.”
During Chris Shula’s tenure as defensive coordinator, this has been a subsequent theme of their defensive line play. Shula, assistant Giff Smith, and other members of the coaching staff have helped the players build a culture where they feel confident in what they do. That leads to less hesitation from defenders, resulting in them being able to apply more pressure on offenses compared to other defenses around the league.
With Garrett on the field, the franchise hopes those pressures will result in sacks.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams wisely letting Myles Garrett play ‘with freedom’
Reporting by Brock Vierra, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brock Vierra, Rams Wire | USA TODAY Network
