Myles Garrett hasn't been penalized yet, but he's already preaching that he's learned his lesson.
During a Wednesday phone interview with cleveland.com, the Browns defensive end confirmed he'll appeal any fine he receives from the NFL for smacking Titans tight end Delanie Walker in the face during Sunday's 43-13 loss to Tennessee, adding he won't let him emotions get the best of him again.
"Yeah, usually I don’t let things like that get to me and I won’t let it happen again," Garrett said. "I’ll appeal if I get fined. Of course I at least have to try."
But Garrett, Cleveland's No. 1 pick in 2017, wasn't alone. The Browns committed 18 penalties for 182 yards — their most penalties in a game since 1951 — as they dropped their 15th straight regular-season opener, which is now the league's longest winless streak.
Looking ahead to Week 2, Garrett is focused on fixing his mistakes from the season opener and building on his sluggish start.
"You always want to be the best player on the field, but you can’t control every part of the field," Garrett said. "All you can do is control how you play. I had two (sacks). I always want more. But I’ve just got to go out there and make up for it next week."
And given the Browns' disastrous Week 1 loss to the Titans, Garrett admitted there's a sense of urgency entering the team's "Monday Night Football' matchup with the Jets. Cleveland will look to capitalize on the absence of quarterback Sam Darnold, who was ruled out on Thursday for what could be "multiple weeks" with mono.
"We need to get the ball rolling," Garrett said. "If we want to have aspirations of postseason, we’ve gotta get the ball rolling early, so that means we’ve got to get on top of these guys."
Garrett will also face former Browns defensive coordinator and interim coach Gregg Williams when Cleveland visits New York in Week 2 action.