Myles Garrett: “Fans Have the Right to Boo” After Browns’ Defeat
Before the Cleveland Browns’ season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, Myles Garrett soaked in the energy of fans tailgating at the iconic Muni Lot. However, after a disappointing 33-17 loss, those same fans expressed their frustration with loud boos aimed at Garrett and his teammates.
The reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year understood the shift in emotions. “They have the right to tell us however they feel,” Garrett acknowledged. “If we’re not playing well, they have the right to boo. We’ve got to put on better performances.”
A Tough First Half Leaves Fans Frustrated
The Browns’ rough start saw them trailing 20-3 by halftime, prompting the first wave of boos with 19 seconds left in the first half. Despite a potential record-tying 66-yard field goal attempt by Dallas’ Brandon Aubrey being wiped off due to a penalty, the negative energy remained.
Garrett, reflecting on the game, didn’t shy away from the fans’ reactions. He emphasized, “We have to give them something to be proud of. Today wasn’t our best day, but we’ve got to come out smoking next week.”
Turning the Vibes Around
Garrett is hopeful that next week’s performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars will restore positivity among the fanbase. “I can speak until I’m blue in the face about resilience,” Garrett said, “but at the end of the day, the fans gave us what they thought we were throughout the game.”
In contrast to the boos, the day had started with high hopes and excitement. Garrett and Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell were seen in the Muni Lot, hyping up the crowd. Mitchell even engaged in keg bowling with fans, adding to the pre-game festivities.
Early Defensive Stand and Quick Collapse
The Browns’ defense started strong, with defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson sacking Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott on the first drive. Cleveland forced an early punt, leading to a quick 3-0 lead. However, things unraveled quickly as Prescott connected with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb for a 34-yard pass, followed by a touchdown pass to Brandin Cooks.
The Cowboys capitalized on their momentum, scoring on three of their next four possessions, including a touchdown run by Ezekiel Elliott and two field goals by Aubrey.
Communication Breakdowns Plague the Browns’ Defense
Garrett highlighted the defensive struggles, citing communication issues as a significant factor in the Browns’ inability to keep pace with Dallas. “I don’t think we were communicating well enough and quick enough to keep up with them at their pace,” he said.
Though the Browns settled in later, the damage had been done. “We have to get more takeaways,” Garrett emphasized, noting that even Dallas’ field goals were enough to widen the gap and demoralize the team.
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