Healthy Myles Garrett could be Rams' key to corralling Jayden Daniels

The Los Angeles Rams are ecstatic to welcome edge rusher Myles Garrett back to the active roster. After seven games and a 4-3 record without him, fans are right to hope for a boost in terms of veteran leadership and a more dangerous pass rush. And some might say not a moment too soon.

Trading for the reigning Defensive Player of the Year highlighted an offseason extravaganza that also brought in Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, and Aaron Donald from a two-year retirement. Unfortunately, as Garrett returns, the team has lost Watson to season-ending shoulder surgery.

After that highly celebrated streak of moves, the defense will not benefit from having the prized quartet together.

Still, Garrett could jumpstart the pass rush. Byron Young has not sustained his sizzling pace from 2025 and early this season. Donald, despite getting plenty of pressures, has yet to sack a quarterback. With Garrett's return, perhaps the defense will manage to muster a more consistent attack.

Myles Garrett is perfect counter to mobile quarterback Jayden Daniels

Garrett is renowned as an unstoppable pass rusher. But this wily veteran is superbly equipped to counter the scrambling of Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. In five games, Daniels has rushed 27 times for 236 yards and two touchdowns. That works out to 8.7 yards per carry, and LA's defense cannot afford to let him run free.

Defensive coordinator Chris Shula struggled to contain Bills QB Josh Allen, and the team lost as a result. The defense that struggled to contain Allen will be tested again. The Commanders can use the Bills' strategy as a ready-made template.

But, assuming his knee doesn't hamper him too much, Garrett can thwart those plans.

Garrett does not rush the quarterback haphazardly. He sets the edge, contains the action, and contracts the pocket to force any ball carrier into the arms of a fellow defender. That's what the defense lacked against Allen.

Young edge rusher Josaiah Stewart was caught more than once taking an inside route to the quarterback, leaving the flank undefended. That gave Allen plenty of room to run for daylight. And he did, throughout the game.

Garrett may not emerge from Week 9 with a sack, but his ability to set the edge is the more vital skill in this matchup. As long as he can help contain Daniels, LA has a legitimate shot at winning on the road.

As always, thanks for reading.

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