The Cleveland Browns shocked the football world when they traded Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. The New Orleans Saints may not have been a part of the trade, but they are benefactors solely because they no longer have to face Garrett the week after their bye week.
The Browns received Jared Verse in return, and he's a talented edge rusher. Kelvin Banks Jr. is still going to have to buckle up his chinstrap for this game, but it's no disrespect to say this became an easier challenge for Banks, even if it's still a challenge.
Garrett is coming off a season in which he set the record for most sacks in a season. He hasn't had less than 14 sacks in 5 campaigns. As you look at the Saints vs. Browns game post-trade, it went from "should win" to "you better win" in moments.
Saints' game vs. Browns now feels like an easy prediction
The Saints have to see a murderer's row of edge rushers this season, and the Garrett trade takes the best of the bunch off the table. New Orleans' game versus the Browns was already one many fans chalked up as a win. The one player who could have changed that is now in Los Angeles.
Not only is Garrett the best defensive player in the league, he was also the engine for a unit that can win a game for the Browns. Many people write off the Browns. I didn't feel that was fair, and that notion was largely based on Myles Garrett.
The Browns made many additions to their offense this offseason, but there still too many questions at the quarterback to have complete confidence in their offense. It's the reason why the Browns are once again expected to be one of the worst teams in the NFL. That was true with or without Garrett.
Cleveland didn't win many games last year, but they beat the Green Bay Packers and Cincinatti Bengals because the Browns held those teams under 13 points. That's the type of defense they had. The Browns still have the potential to be a great defense. It isn't as if Garrett is the only star, however, things look a lot different without him.
The Saints still have to watch out for an elite secondary, but Tyler Shough should have more time to read through that secondary without the pressure of Garrett breathing down his neck consistently.
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