Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett believes that injuries were the main factor preventing the team from reaching their first Super Bowl in franchise history. Speaking on ESPN’s First Take, Garrett expressed his belief that if the team had stayed healthy, they would have been playing in the Super Bowl. He mentioned key injuries to players like Deshaun Watson and Nick Chubb as significant setbacks for the Browns. Despite the injuries, Garrett commended the team’s resilience and the brotherhood they had built throughout the season.
While it is difficult to predict how a healthy Browns team would have fared in the playoffs, their performance during the regular season suggests they would have had a legitimate chance. They split the season series with the Baltimore Ravens, defeating them 33-31 in Baltimore. Watson sustained a shoulder injury during that game but still managed to pass for 213 yards and a touchdown. The Browns also secured a victory against the San Francisco 49ers, who will be representing the NFC in the Super Bowl, with backup quarterback PJ Walker leading the team. The Browns’ defense played a crucial role in that game, intercepting Walker twice.
When asked about how the Kansas City Chiefs can slow down the San Francisco 49ers, Garrett emphasized the need for physicality and disrupting the 49ers’ receivers at the line of scrimmage. He highlighted George Kittle as a key player for the 49ers and suggested that containing him would be crucial. Garrett drew from his own experience against the 49ers, where the Browns’ defense was successful in pressuring quarterback Brock Purdy and limiting their running game. This forced Purdy to make plays outside the pocket, making it more challenging for the 49ers’ offense.
Overall, Garrett’s comments reflect his frustration with the injuries that plagued the Browns last season and his belief that a healthy team could have made a deep playoff run. While it is impossible to know for sure, the Browns’ performances against top teams during the regular season suggest they would have been competitive in the playoffs.
Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett has been a force to be reckoned with on the football field. Despite the team’s shortcomings in the 2024 Super Bowl, Garrett’s performance cannot be blamed. The defensive end showcased his skills throughout the year, tallying an impressive 30 quarterback hits, 17 tackles for loss, and 14 sacks, according to Pro Football Reference. He also made his presence known by forcing four fumbles, breaking up three passes, and even blocking a field goal attempt in a victory against the Indianapolis Colts.
Garrett’s exceptional performance did not go unnoticed, as he received his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl selection and was named a first-team All Pro in 2023. This marked the fifth time that he has been recognized as either a first or second-team All Pro during his seven-year NFL career.
In summary, Garrett’s contributions to the Cleveland Browns have been invaluable. His skills and accolades speak for themselves, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top players.
According to the Source heavy.com