Myles Garrett’s Los Angeles Rams debut was a total dud Thursday night, leaving everyone wondering what just happened. The reigning, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, who broke the NFL’s single season sack record last season, posted an absolute goose egg across the box score in a 27-7 shellacking at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers. You won’t find his name anywhere near a stat line, because he literally had zero impact.
The DPOY Disappearing Act
Let’s be real, this was a shocking no-show. Garrett didn’t log a single sack, not one quarterback hit, no tackles, no tackle assists, not even a pass defended. Forget forcing a fumble or recovering one. It was a statistical black hole for a guy the Rams paid a premium price to acquire from the Cleveland Browns, a player they were banking on to solidify their defense. This wasn’t what Rams fans expected from a team anointed as preseason Super Bowl favorites, and it sure wasn’t what they signed Garrett for.
After the game, Garrett admitted the obvious, telling reporters, “This was the worst version of myself that I’ve put out there, and I’ve got to be better.” He also mentioned a knee issue that limited him in camp, saying he’s not 100%. While it’s true he’s had three other career games with zeroes in the box score back in 2023 and 2024 without tarnishing his rep or stopping him from being first-team All-Pro, this debut felt different, especially considering the stakes.
49ers Feast on the Lack of Pressure
Garrett’s disappearing act had a direct, brutal consequence: Brock Purdy and the 49ers offense ran wild. In the first half, Purdy had “all the time in the world” to connect with Demarcus Robinson for a 39-yard touchdown, giving the 49ers a 10-7 lead. That was just a preview of the second half, where San Francisco blew the game wide open.
The 49ers marched 51 yards on seven plays on their opening drive of the third quarter for Purdy’s second touchdown. After a goal-line stand by their defense, they went on a monster 99-yard drive for yet another touchdown and a 24-7 lead that basically ended the game. Purdy faced “little to no pressure” all game, finishing 25-of-34 for 205 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception without taking a single sack. This is the exact kind of performance the Rams acquired Garrett to prevent, and it’s a massive red flag early in the season.
Look, it’s just one game, but the Rams paid big for Garrett to be a game-wrecker from day one. He’s got to get healthy and back to DPOY form quickly, because this kind of effort won’t cut it in a stacked NFC West. We’ll be watching to see if he can shake off this Melbourne dud next time out and show why he’s worth the premium price.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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