LANDOVER, Md. – Uno de los mayores elogios que un jugador de los Rams puede recibir de su head coach, Sean McVay, es que demuestra una grandeza competitiva, es decir, que "juega en su mejor nivel cuando más se le necesita".
Y eso era precisamente lo que necesitaba una defensiva de Los Ángeles que ya llegaba con varias bajas: una actuación de ese nivel por parte del linebacker externo Myles Garrett, sin importar que fuera apenas su primer partido tras una cirugía de rodilla.
Y así fue exactamente como McVay habló de Garrett después de su actuación de tres capturas, además de un balón suelto forzado, tres golpes al quarterback y tres tacleadas para pérdida de yardaje, en la victoria de los Rams 20-13 sobre los Commanders el domingo en el Northwest Stadium.
"Hombre, fue como quitarme un peso de encima", dijo Garrett después del partido cuando le preguntaron sobre su primera captura de las tres que consiguió. "Simplemente volver a ser quien soy. Estoy muy lejos del nivel que quiero alcanzar, tanto en mi rendimiento como en las cosas que sé que puedo hacer y en cómo puedo moverme. Pero sin duda esto me da un impulso de confianza. También quiero ayudar a elevar la confianza de los compañeros que me rodean".
De acuerdo con Next Gen Stats, Garrett disputó 35 de las 58 jugadas defensivas (60.3%) en su regreso ante los Commanders, en la Semana 9. Durante sus 27 intentos de presionar al quarterback, generó seis presiones y consiguió tres capturas, para una tasa de presión del 22.2%.
Garrett se convirtió en el primer jugador de los Rams en registrar al menos tres capturas y un balón suelto forzado en un partido desde que Aaron Donald lo consiguiera en 2020, durante la Semana 5 ante Washington. Si se consideran únicamente los partidos con tres o más capturas, es el primero en lograrlo desde Donald en 2021, durante la Semana 14 ante Arizona.
Su primera captura, en la que además provocó un balón suelto al derribar al quarterback de los Commanders, Jayden Daniels, preparó el terreno para un gol de campo de 30 yardas de Brandon McManus que redujo la desventaja de los Rams a cuatro puntos antes del medio tiempo. Las otras dos llegaron en el último cuarto: la primera, al inicio del periodo, provocó una pérdida de cinco yardas y dejó a Washington en una situación complicada de tercera oportunidad y largo por avanzar. La segunda llegó en los minutos finales, con una pérdida de 12 yardas, obligando a los Commanders a despejar mientras los Rams defendían su ventaja de siete puntos.
"Fue extraordinario y lo mejor de todo es que todavía hay aspectos en los que podemos mejorar, especialmente en cuanto a algunos castigos. Pero creo que estuvo en su mejor nivel cuando más lo necesitábamos. Hablamos constantemente de la grandeza competitiva y hoy hizo un gran trabajo para cerrar el partido y hacer sentir su presencia. Lo de hoy fue de primer nivel", comentó McVay.
La producción de Garrett fue solo una parte de lo que generaba tanta expectativa, considerando la emoción de verlo finalmente jugar junto a otra futura leyenda del Salón de la Fama: el ala defensiva de los Rams, Aaron Donald. Un dato de Next Gen Stats refleja mejor que nada el impacto de esta dupla: cuando Garrett y Aaron Donald estuvieron juntos en el campo (23 jugadas), la defensiva de Los Ángeles permitió apenas 5.0 yardas por jugada y consiguió cuatro capturas. En las otras 19 jugadas, cuando no coincidieron en el terreno, la defensiva permitió 8.1 yardas por jugada y un touchdown, sin registrar ninguna captura.
"Es como si dos de sus capturas fueran también 'nuestras capturas', ¿sabes?", comentó Donald entre risas después del partido. "Pero se siente bien. Mi principal objetivo es encontrar la manera de ganar semana tras semana. Mientras sigamos haciéndolo, estoy feliz".
Y hay otro dato que vale la pena destacar sobre esta dupla y, en realidad, sobre el desempeño individual de Garrett el domingo: aunque disputó solamente 35 de las 58 jugadas defensivas (60.3%) en su regreso ante los Commanders, consiguió generar seis presiones y tres capturas en 27 intentos de presionar al quarterback, con una tasa de presión del 22.2%.
Su presencia se hizo sentir en cada una de esas 35 jugadas.
"Se sintió increíble volver a estar en el campo con mis compañeros", dijo Garrett. "Me sentí muy oxidado en la primera mitad y cometí un par de castigos, pero sabía que iba a recuperar el ritmo y aportar para el equipo. Así que simplemente intenté concentrarme en la jugada que estaba disputando, sin preocuparme por la anterior. Ellos me apoyaron y eso es lo único que importa. Nos apoyamos unos a otros y seguimos elevando nuestro nivel hasta conseguir la victoria."
The Los Angeles Rams take on the Washington Commanders for Week 9 at Northwest Stadium. Take a look at photos from the matchup!
Defensive lineman Myles Garrett (95) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive lineman Aaron Donald (99) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Abigail Dean /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive back Kam Curl (3) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive back Emmanuel Forbes Jr (1) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive lineman Aaron Donald (99) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Outside linebacker Byron Young (0) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive lineman Braden Fiske (55) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive back Quentin Lake (37) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Running back Kyren Williams (23) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Kicker Brandon McManus (19) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Abigail Dean /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive back Quentin Lake (37) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive lineman Myles Garrett (95) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Linebackers Grand Stuard (44) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Abigail Dean /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive lineman Braden Fiske (55) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Linebacker Omar Speights (48) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Derek Campbell /Los Angeles Rams)
Linebacker Omar Speights (48) and Defensive back Quentin Lake (37) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Derek Campbell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive lineman Myles Garrett (95) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Abigail Dean /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive lineman Myles Garrett (95) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Abigail Dean /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive lineman Aaron Donald (99) and Defensive lineman Myles Garrett (95) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive back Emmanuel Forbes Jr (1) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Abigail Dean /Los Angeles Rams)
Tight end Tyler Higbee (89) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Tight end Tyler Higbee (89) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Running back Blake Corum (24) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Running back Blake Corum (24) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Running back Blake Corum (24) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Running back Blake Corum (24) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Running back Blake Corum (24) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Wide receiver Puka Nacua (12), Offensive lineman Alaric Jackson (77), and Wide receiver Konata Mumpfield (4) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Abigail Dean /Los Angeles Rams)
Wide Receiver Tutu Atwell (8) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Abigail Dean /Los Angeles Rams)
Tight end Tyler Higbee (89) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Abigail Dean /Los Angeles Rams)
Wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Running back Kyren Williams (23) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) and Quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive lineman Myles Garrett (95) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive lineman Myles Garrett (95) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive lineman Myles Garrett (95) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive lineman Myles Garrett (95) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive lineman Myles Garrett (95) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive lineman Myles Garrett (95) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive lineman Myles Garrett (95) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive back Nick Andersen (45) and Defensive lineman Myles Garrett (95) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive back Emmanuel Forbes Jr (1) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Abigail Dean /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive lineman Myles Garrett (95) after the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive lineman Myles Garrett (95) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Derek Campbell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive lineman Myles Garrett (95) after the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Derek Campbell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive lineman Aaron Donald (99) after the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive lineman Aaron Donald (99) after the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Running back Kyren Williams (23) after the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Derek Campbell /Los Angeles Rams)
Quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive back Emmanuel Forbes Jr (1) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive lineman Aaron Donald (99) and Defensive lineman Myles Garrett (95) during the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive lineman Aaron Donald (99) before the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Abigail Dean /Los Angeles Rams)
Outside linebacker Wesley Bailey (47) before the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Outside linebacker Byron Young (0) before the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive back Quentin Lake (37) before the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive lineman Myles Garrett (95) before the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Running back Blake Corum (24) before the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Kicker Josh Karty (16) before the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Punter Ethan Evans (42) before the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Running back Kyren Williams (23) before the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Running back Ronnie Rivers (20) before the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Running back Kyren Williams (23) before the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) before the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Abigail Dean /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive lineman Myles Garrett (95) before the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Offensive lineman Kevin Dotson (69) before the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive back Emmanuel Forbes Jr (1) before the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
Wide receiver Konata Mumpfield (4) before the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Abigail Dean /Los Angeles Rams)
Quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) before the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Abigail Dean /Los Angeles Rams)
Wide receiver CJ Daniels (6) before the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Derek Campbell /Los Angeles Rams)
Quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) before the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Abigail Dean /Los Angeles Rams)
Running back Kyren Williams (23) before the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Derek Campbell /Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive lineman Myles Garrett (95) before the regular season game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD. (Brevin Townsell /Los Angeles Rams)
