Los Angeles Rams edge rusher Myles Garrett called his debut performance the worst game of his career following a 27-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year recorded zero tackles or pressures while battling knee tendinitis.
The highly anticipated debut for the Los Angeles Rams ended in a stark reality check on Thursday night. Facing the San Francisco 49ers in a lopsided 27-7 defeat, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year found himself completely neutralized on the field.
Garrett didn’t have a single tackle, sack or pressure in his much-hyped debut for the Rams on Thursday night, and afterward he said the 27-7 loss to the 49ers was as bad a game as he’s ever played. This was the worst version of myself that I’ve put out there,
Garrett said. I’ve got to be better. I’ve got to find a way to recover and get back to the player I know I can be and I’ve shown that I’ve been before.
Zero Impact and a Historic Low for Garrett
Garrett played 40 snaps, including 27 pass-rush snaps, but could not impact San Francisco’s offense. It marked his first game without a pressure since Week 10 of the 2018 season. The Rams entered the game with major expectations after acquiring Garrett during the offseason in the NFL’s most talked-about offseason move. However, the 49ers controlled the game and scored the final 24 points.
Myles Garrett: "This was the worst version of myself
The 49ers limited Garrett with quick throws and strong protection from their offensive line. Trent Williams also helped prevent the star edge rusher from creating consistent pressure.
Knee Issues and Limited Training Camp Preparation
Garrett, who didn’t play in the preseason and barely practiced in training camp because of a knee injury involving knee swelling and tendinitis, said his primary focus now is getting healthy.
That’s the main thing,
Garrett said. When I was out there I was a little more focused on myself and trying to stay healthy than what they were doing, and it showed. I wasn’t what I needed to be for my team.
He also acknowledged that his health affected his preparation and performance.
Myles Garrett, Los Angeles Rams edge rusher
Myles Garrett calls Rams debut his ‘worst version’ after
Garrett said he didn’t think the long trip to Australia or the Rams’ decision to arrive the day before the game had anything to do with it. I wasn’t the player I wanted to be, I didn’t feel like I was the player I’ve been before when I stepped onto that field. I’ve got to do what I can to get back to that,
Garrett said.
Accepting Leadership Responsibility After the Loss
Rather than blaming the Rams’ unusual travel schedule, Garrett accepted responsibility. We got to be better, myself especially,
he said after the loss. We didn’t execute as we wanted to. We got beat on all three phases, and that’s — we have to do more. There’s a lot more on this team that can be done, and it’s tied to us as leaders.
Myles Garrett, Los Angeles Rams edge rusher
His health now becomes critical for Los Angeles. The Rams need Garrett closer to his usual form before their next matchup against the New York Giants. Los Angeles finished with 290 total yards and failed to convert a third-quarter opportunity from the San Francisco 1-yard line. The Rams now face pressure to respond after an opening performance far below their expectations, alongside a concerning update on Davis Allen after an injury against the 49ers.
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