The Rams hadn’t experienced any of the benefits of their blockbuster trade for Myles Garrett through the first half of the season. He was compromised by injury in Week 1 and then missed the next 7 games. The Rams ranked 27th in pressure percentage and 26th in sacks.
Then Garrett returned to the field.
Against the Commanders, the all-time single-season sack leader got to the quarterback 3 times.
Not only was Garrett effective in winning his 1-on-1’s, but we all got a little glimpse of what defensive coordinator Chris Shula can do schematically with him on the field.
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Just look at this 3rd-and-5 with 2:31 remaining in the 4th quarter and the Rams trying to protect their 20-13 lead.
Notice the front. The Rams had 2 defensive tackles aligned outside of both guards, 2 edge rushers outside of the tackles, and Myles Garrett standing over the center 3 yards off the ball:
The front forced the Commanders, who would block this with just 5, into 1-on-1’s across the board:
At the snap, Aaron Donald and Braden Fiske rushed at the outside shoulder of the guards before moving outside as the contain rushers: