Former three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jerry Ball believes Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is among the NFL’s three-best pass rushers.
During Friday’s edition of 92.3 The Fan’s “Bull and Fox” show, Ball got asked about what he sees in Garrett when the Browns star gets double- and triple-teamed.
“We got to see that this gentleman had…some talent that if he tapped into it, and I don’t believe he’s tapped into it fully,” Ball said of Garrett. “He’s still young in a lot of ways.”
Ball said he considers the Browns’ defensive line among the five best units in the NFL.
“When it comes to (Jadeveon) Clowney, look, I’ve liked him since college, Ball said. “(When) he was playing for the Texans, I felt that they didn’t use him right.”
Ball said he felt the Texans overcoached Clowney.
“I think the Browns with those two guys, one (has) a temperament that…they can compete,” Ball said.
Ball declined to provide a percentage on the Lions’ chances to beat the Browns (5-5) on Sunday.
“Can we get everyone from the Browns organization and team to leave town for a week?” Ball said. “Maybe we can get it on a forfeit.”
The Browns are a 13-point favorite Sunday.
“I believe in the Lions here on (the) Bleav Podcast Network, but at the same time, (there is) some proof in the pudding,” Ball said. “They’ve got to do some work. I’m not convinced just yet, guys. I think Cleveland is the better team right now.”
While the Lions (0-8-1) are searching for their first win of the 2021 season on Sunday, they tied the Steelers 16-16 in Week 10.
Also, the Lions narrowly lost to the Baltimore Ravens, 19-17, in Week 3.
If not for Ravens kicker Justin Tucker‘s NFL-record 66-yard field goal to end the fourth quarter on Sept. 26, the Lions would have won.
Ball is the co-host of the “Bleav in Lions” podcast on behalf of the Bleav Podcast Network.
From 1987-1992, Ball played for the Lions.
However, Ball also had two stints in Cleveland.
Ball is the only player to play for the Browns (in 1993) before owner Art Modell moved the team to Baltimore and after the team resumed play in 1999.
On Friday, Ball spoke favorably about both stints he had with the Browns.
“Playing with (Bill) Belichick and (Nick) Saban in the same room, (there was) a lot of knowledge,” Ball said. “The second stop when Mr. (Al) Lerner bought the team, he was like a minority owner…and when he brought the team back and he wanted me to come back and play once he had control, that was one of the biggest thrills was playing for him. And also, seeing him get what he wanted, which was to have that franchise back in Cleveland.”
During his 13-year NFL career, Ball also played for the Raiders (1994-1996) and Vikings (1994-1996 and again in 1999)
On Sunday, Lions quarterback Tim Boyle is set to make the first start of his NFL career against the Browns.
The Lions listed quarterback Jared Goff (oblique) as doubtful for Sunday’s game.
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