As the Cleveland Browns head into Week 13 of the 2024 NFL season, a key storyline has emerged regarding the challenge posed by Bo Nix, the dynamic quarterback for the opposing team. Myles Garrett, the Browns’ star pass rusher, recently shared his thoughts on the difficulty of playing against a quarterback like Nix, offering insights into the unique challenges Nix presents on the field. Garrett, known for his exceptional ability to disrupt opposing offenses, has faced many quarterbacks throughout his career, but Nix, with his skillset and style of play, brings a distinct set of challenges.
Bo Nix, the former Auburn standout who now plays for the Oregon Ducks, has made a name for himself with his dual-threat capabilities. He is a quarterback who can beat defenses both with his arm and his legs. While Nix’s primary role is to throw the ball, his ability to extend plays with his mobility makes him especially dangerous. As a result, Garrett knows that rushing the passer against Nix will require a different approach than what is typically needed against a traditional pocket passer.
Nix is known for his quick release and ability to scan the field, making it difficult for defensive linemen to sack him. Even when pressured, he has the athleticism to evade defenders, which forces defenders to remain disciplined and adjust their rush techniques. Garrett, renowned for his relentless pass-rushing style, will have to be cautious in how he approaches Nix. Garrett’s usual formula of overpowering blockers and relentlessly pursuing the quarterback could prove more challenging against a quarterback who can escape the pocket and make plays on the run.
One key to stopping a quarterback like Nix is maintaining disciplined edge rush techniques. Garrett’s primary focus will likely be not just to rush toward Nix but to contain him in the pocket and ensure that Nix cannot escape to the outside for big yardage gains. This is especially critical because Nix is adept at breaking off big runs when given space. Garrett understands that he must remain patient and disciplined, even when he sees an opportunity to rush the passer. If he overcommits or gets too aggressive, he risks allowing Nix to exploit the open field.
Garrett also expressed the importance of understanding Nix’s playmaking abilities outside of the standard passing game. Nix’s ability to extend plays with his legs puts pressure on the entire defensive unit, not just the pass rush. Defensive backs must cover for longer periods of time as Nix buys extra time to locate receivers downfield. The Browns’ secondary will need to stay tight on their assignments, knowing that Nix can make plays on the move. As a pass rusher, Garrett knows that his success is often tied to the coverage behind him. If the secondary does its job, it will allow Garrett and the rest of the defensive line to get more opportunities to bring Nix down.
Ultimately, Garrett’s comments highlight the level of preparation and focus required to slow down an elusive, dual-threat quarterback like Bo Nix. For the Browns’ defense, it won’t just be about trying to sack the quarterback but also about containing his movement, limiting big plays, and executing a disciplined game plan. As Garrett and his teammates head into the matchup, they will be acutely aware of the multifaceted threat that Nix represents and will need to employ a collective effort to neutralize him. The Week 13 matchup will serve as a critical test for the Browns’ defense as they look to slow down one of college football’s most electrifying quarterbacks.
