Rams' pass rush already looks transformed with Myles Garrett's emphatic return

The Los Angeles Rams' defense has been rather stingy in coverage. But the pass rush has been tepid, mustering only 12 sacks in the first eight games. It's been a mounting concern for fans. Entering Sunday's slate, only the Philadelphia Eagles, with 10 sacks, had brought opposing quarterbacks to the ground fewer times.

But in Week 9, the Eagles were not welcoming back Myles Garrett. In his first game back, he put up three sacks.

That's no small feat against a mobile quarterback like the Commanders' Jayden Daniels, but Garrett specializes in delivering the extraordinary. As hoped for, he managed to lead the Rams defense in containing Washington's dynamic young passer.

This was another defensive masterpiece. Coordinator Chris Shula led his group to overcome turnovers, injuries, and a hostile environment far from home. And, of course, Garrett's return was a huge step toward restoring this defense to its full potential.

Myles Garrett proves why he is so vital to this defense

With the absence of both starting cornerbacks - Jaylen Watson is done for the year and Trent McDuffie sat out with a back injury - backups Josh Wallace and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. had to step up. And for much of the game, they proved effective. But they had help. With Garrett back, Daniels simply did not have time to throw without the scrambling escape routes that he is used to.

Daniels was effective in the pocket, passing for 274 yards on 35 attempts. He continued his no-interception streak to six games. But LA's defense held Daniels and company to just 60 rushing yards, while no Washington receiver reached 60 receiving yards on the day.

That's the Garrett effect. His work in the pass rush doesn't just produce sacks; it hurries throws into completions. As you might have heard he's also a dominant run defender, evidenced by his three tackles for loss against the Commanders.

The Rams entered Week 9 with 12 sacks and emerged with 16. Getting to the quarterback is not a luxury any longer. To earn a playoff berth, that is exactly what this defense must do.

With Myles Garrett's return, that suddenly seems very doable.

As always, thanks for reading.

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