The Los Angeles Rams are facing strong comments and even some criticism following their deployment of Myles Garrett during their Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Australia.
“Every time he leaves the field, he really seems gassed,” Netflix’s Tom Pelissero said during the game on a fourth-quarter drive with the Rams trailing 24-7, as the broadcast showed the reigning Defensive Player of the Year on the sideline.
NFL Netflix Gameday insider @TomPelissero reporting on Myles Garrett from the sideline in Melbourne.
49ers vs. Rams is LIVE now on Netflix!
Pelissero reported before the game that Garrett was still “experiencing pain” in his lower leg.
The former Cleveland Browns star did not practice much during training camp as he navigated what had been deemed knee tendinitis.
Myles Garrett Called Out During and After Rams Loss
The commentary on social media was quite unforgiving, with Cleveland sportswriter and The Land on Demand’s Tony Grossi posting, “Myles Garrett pitched a shutout in his Rams debut: 0.00. 0 tackles, 0 assists, 0 sacks.”
Per Pro Football Focus, Garrett logged 40 snaps, the eighth most on the Rams’ defense.
This comes after the Rams already ruled Aaron Donald out and left him behind ahead of the trip to Melbourne.
(📺 Netflix)
“This is COMPLETELY INSANE,” Sharp Football Analysis’ Warren Sharp posted on X on September 10, noting Garrett’s final stats of “27 pass rush snaps” and “0 pressures,” adding that it was the star’s first game without at least 1 pressure since 2018.
“COMPLETELY neutralized by Trent Williams and Kyle Shanahan’s game plan,” Sharp continued.
“simply remarkable and absolutely elite.”
The Rams surrendered 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse and a bevy of draft picks for Garrett, including their 2027 first-round pick. They also took on Garrett’s four-year, $160 million contract.
“It feels like Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett are making about the same impact on the 49ers offensive line,” NFL on Prime’s James Palmer posted on X.
Former Philadelphia Eagles analytics coach Ryan Paganetti said, “This may be surprising but if you have Myles Garrett you might want to have him on the field for critical snaps in the red zone,” noting, “Lack of pass rush the difference here.”
That may be the most daming part of it all.
Brock Purdy Dances Way to Big Night Against Myles Garrett Rams
49ers quarterback Brock Purdy completed 25 of 34 passes for 205 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception that the Rams failed to capitalize on.
Purdy also tacked on 29 rushing yards on five carries and danced on the Rams in-game.
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It was not the way that Garrett or the Rams wanted to start the 2026 season, and it leaves the door open for further scrutiny, not just about their travel plans, but also about their decisions with their stars.
In addition to Garrett, the Rams starters did not play in the preseason. That, plus their later arrival for the game, will fuel discourse at least until next week.
Then, it will reemerge when the two teams meet again in Week 14.
Up next, Garrett and the Rams will try to be better in Week 2 at home against the New York Giants, which should be an easier matchup. That is, if Garrett plays in that contest. The Rams could also get Donald for that game, putting plenty on the line.
Myles Garrett Called Out After 49ers Shred Rams in Australia