Jadeveon Clowney, Myles Garrett impose matchup nightmare with Browns

 When the Cleveland Browns signed defensive lineman Jadeveon Clowney this offseason, they were attempting to get some help up front for star defensive end Myles Garrett. Both players are former first overall picks. Cleveland selected Garrett in 2017, and Clowney was taken by the Houston Texans in 2014. The opportunity to play alongside Garrett should provide both players more opportunities to get to the quarterback.

Cleveland wants Clowney and Garrett to sometimes line up on the same side of the line

Around the NFL writer Kevin Patra wrote that the Browns could elect to play Clowney on the same side of the defensive line as Garrett. Clowney could line up on the interior part of the Browns’ line with Garrett next to him on the outside. This would force opposing offenses to either bring in help to block that side of the line or allow both Clowney and Garrett one-on-one matchups.

If Clowney does ultimately get to line up against interior offensive lines, he thinks that he is in a good position to win those battles regularly.

“We love that matchup,” Clowney said. “We feel like they’re the unathletic guys. That guard position, they’re not real athletes down there. So they’re just physical and maulers. But we try to get in there and create those matchups for certain guys, and hopefully, we get some wins.

“You’ve got to think different on the interior. Everything happens very, very fast down there. Those guys are much bigger down there. So, yes, your whole mindset has got to change in how you attack the quarterback, how you attack the guys down there.”

Clowney and Garrett could be one of the best pass-rushing duos in the league for the Browns

In his four-year career, Garrett has totaled 152 tackles, 42.5 sacks and 10 forced fumbles. He has at least ten sacks in each of the previous three seasons and at least seven sacks in each year of his career. The former Texas A&M product is one of the most explosive athletes off the edge, making him tough for quarterbacks to face up against.

Clowney doesn’t have as many sacks in his career, but he has shown to be a dangerous pass-rusher. In seven seasons, Clowney has 255 total tackles, 32 sacks, 10 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries. The former South Carolina star can provide some of the NFL’s biggest hits, and he also has three touchdowns in his career.

If Clowney can continue to find his way alongside Garrett, the two could be a dangerous duo on what should be a good Browns’ defense.