Myles Garrett Says Browns Had 'Lapses in Focus and Discipline' During 2024 Season

Things went much differently for the 2024 Cleveland Browns than the 2023 version, and star pass-rusher Myles Garrett is hoping for a return to form in 2025.

"I think there were lapses in focus and discipline when we needed to be sharper," he said Wednesday, per Joe Reedy of the Associated Press. "Whether that was in here or on the field. I think that it kind of leaks out. How you are every day is how you are when you need to be that person. I think how we've tightened up the ship and we've sharpened everything, I think we'll continue to get better, and we'll show not only glimpses but that we were and are that 2023 team."

Cleveland went 11-6 and made the playoffs for just the second time since the 2002 campaign during the 2023 season. The late addition of Joe Flacco proved to be critical, as the veteran quarterback went 4-1 as a starter down the stretch and led the team to the playoffs.

However, the Browns were just 3-14 last season and finished in last place in the AFC North.

While Flacco was on the Indianapolis Colts last year, Cleveland's defense was also a problem. It went from first in the league in yards allowed and 13th in points allowed in 2023 to 19th in yards and 27th in points allowed in 2024.

At least Garrett maintained his level of excellence, as the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year was an All-Pro First-Team selection last season with 47 tackles, a league-best 22 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

He was a bright spot during an otherwise disappointing campaign, but his latest comments suggest he believes things will be better during the upcoming season.

With Flacco back as the starting quarterback, a return to dominant defense could set the stage for Cleveland to surprise.