Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett emerged victorious as he claimed his first Defensive Player of the Year award on Thursday. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ TJ Watt, who was also in contention for the prestigious title, expressed his disappointment at losing out to Garrett. In the voting, Garrett secured 165 points compared to Watt’s 140. Out of the 50 first-place votes, Garrett received 23 while Watt received 19.
Watt, although absent from the event, took to social media to share his thoughts after the announcement. He stated, “Nothing I’m not used to.” Having won the award in 2021 and being a finalist on multiple occasions, Watt had a strong case for claiming his second honor. He recorded an impressive 19 sacks, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and an interception throughout the season.
Despite Watt’s disagreement, Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, who was also a finalist, voiced his support for Garrett. Parsons responded to a tweet criticizing the voting process, stating, “Horrible take!! Myles was the better player! Reality of the situation! Myles faced way more double teams and had a greater effect on quarterbacks! Fans, please stop looking at stats and look at film, please!”
Garrett, despite battling through a shoulder injury during the latter part of the season, consistently made his presence felt. He accumulated 30 quarterback hits, 14 sacks, and 17 tackles for loss. During his acceptance speech, Garrett expressed his desire for something “bigger” in the upcoming season, hinting at his goal of winning the Super Bowl. He dedicated the award to the city of Cleveland, promising to bring home a greater victory next time.
Under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who won the Assistant Coach of the Year award, Garrett played a pivotal role in the Browns’ defensive transformation. The Cleveland defense excelled under Schwartz’s leadership, leading the league in total defense by allowing just 270.2 yards per game.
However, the postseason did not go as planned for the Browns. They suffered a crushing 45-14 defeat at the hands of the Houston Texans, with Garrett being largely contained and contributing only two tackles and no sacks. Reflecting on the loss, Garrett acknowledged that they were outplayed, outcoached, and outmatched. He emphasized the need for better execution, stating, “Speaking as a defensive player, I know we could have executed a lot better.”
MYLES GARRETT: A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH
In a stunning victory, Myles Garrett has been crowned the winner of the prestigious Defensive Player of the Year award. The Cleveland Browns are ecstatic about this achievement and have high hopes for Garrett’s future. General manager Andrew Berry believes that this is just the beginning of a long list of accolades for Garrett.
“We are incredibly proud of him,” Berry exclaimed. “Garrett’s dedication and hard work are evident every single day. He not only dominates on the field but also represents our city and franchise with utmost excellence. We couldn’t ask for a better player.”
Garrett’s exceptional performance has not gone unnoticed by his fellow athletes. Travis Kelce, the tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, expressed his relief at not having to face Garrett on the field this year.
“He was a terror,” Kelce admitted during Super Bowl Media Day. “It’s clear that Garrett has found his stride in the NFL, and I couldn’t be happier for the city of Cleveland. He’s not only making a difference on the field but also in the community. He’s a true role model.”
Looking ahead, the Browns have identified the need to find a suitable pass-rusher partner for Garrett. With Za’Darius Smith’s impending free agency, the team is determined to secure a capable replacement to support their star player.
J.R. DeGroote, an esteemed sports reporter, covers the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Lakers for our publication. Stay connected for more exciting updates on Garrett’s journey and the Browns’ offseason plans.
According to the Source heavy.com