Chiefs’ offense confident it can handle Browns’ Myles Garrett

The Kansas City take on the Cleveland Browns Sunday, and all eyes are on Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett.

With a storied career that includes multiple Pro Bowls and first-team All-Pro selections, Garrett’s presence looms large over any opposing offense.

On Wednesday, quarterback Patrick Mahomes spoke about handling one of the league’s most dominant defenders.

“He’s just really good; he’s pretty much good at everything,” Mahomes said when asked about Garrett.

In preparing for Garrett’s relentless pass rush, Mahomes emphasized the importance of quick decision-making.

“Just finding ways to get the ball out of my hands when he’s rushing,” Mahomes said of the steps he will have to take when facing Garrett. “Whenever we need to take shots down the field, just having extra ways to manipulate; either me manipulating his pass rush or having help with two people blocking him.”

This season, Garrett has the second most sacks in the league and is tied for third in tackles for loss. Mahomes emphasized that the Chiefs do not underestimate their formidable defense despite their opponent’s 3-10 record.

“[The Browns] have a good football team in general, but especially their defense, and it’ll be a great challenge for us,” Mahomes said. “We have to go out there and play our best football to win.”

Head coach Andy Reid, who referred to Garrett as a “future Hall of Famer,” acknowledged the disruption that the eight-year veteran can create for offenses.

“He’s a dominant player, and we recognize that and respect that,” Reid said.

As the Chiefs continue to navigate the lingering issue at the left tackle position, Reid said the team is prepared for the pressure Garrett could put on one of their most vulnerable positions.

“He’s going to show up, and we’re going to show up,” Reid said of the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year. “We’ve got to play well against him, and we have the capability of doing that.”

Mahomes noted that staying unpredictable against a player of Garrett’s caliber is key to winning matchups against him.

“We’ll throw him changeups; we’ll throw him different pitches that hopefully keep his mind racing,” Mahomes explained. “But at the end of the day, he’s going to make plays happen, and when he starts to win — win reps or win certain plays — you’ve got to not make it a negative play; get rid of the football, even if that’s throwing it away, and live to play another play.”