Garrett leaves the division

Myles Garrett’s move to the Los Angeles Rams changes not only the Cleveland Browns, but also the balance in the AFC North. For the Cincinnati Bengals, losing one of the NFL’s most dangerous pass rushers from the division matters.

Garrett was particularly difficult for Cincinnati. According to NFL.com, he sacked Joe Burrow more often than any other quarterback he has faced.

Flacco sums it up

Backup quarterback Joe Flacco, a former teammate of Garrett, reacted with a short statement: “Good for us.” It is a sentence many Bengals fans will understand immediately.

Still, it is not that simple. Cleveland receives Jared Verse in the deal, and Bengals tackle Orlando Brown made clear that games still have to be won on Sundays. Amarius Mims also stressed that the AFC North remains tough.

Cincinnati sees an opening

For the Bengals, the trade can still be an advantage. Cleveland loses one of the league’s defining defensive players while Cincinnati hopes to move back toward the playoffs with Joe Burrow and a more stable core.

The message from Cincinnati is clear: respect for Garrett, but relief at not having to block him twice a year anymore.

Myles Garrett is out of the AFC North – and Cincinnati knows exactly what that could mean.