In a season where little has gone right for the Cleveland Browns, Myles Garrett has continued to shine as one of the NFL's most dominant forces on the defensive side of the ball. After another historic performance in Week 17, Garrett confidently declared himself the league’s best defensive player with a succinct and self-assured answer.
When asked if he believes he’s the NFL’s best defensive player, Garrett responded with a simple “Yes.” Pressed for why, he added, “Check the tape, that’s why” (per WEWS Camryn Justice).
And the tape, along with the stats, backs him up.
Garrett’s Week 17 performance saw him record his 13th and 14th sacks of the season, tying Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson for the league lead. But those numbers are just the tip of the iceberg. Garrett’s 13th sack made him the third player in NFL history to record 13 or more sacks in five of his first eight seasons, joining Hall of Famer Reggie White and perennial Pro Bowler T.J. Watt.
His 14th sack was another milestone, making him the first player since 1982 to log 14 or more sacks in four consecutive seasons. Earlier this year, Garrett also surpassed the 100-career sack mark, becoming the 45th player in NFL history to reach the milestone and the first to do so before turning 29.
Despite Cleveland’s dismal 3-13 record, Garrett’s performance has been a lone bright spot, showcasing his ability to impact games even when the team struggles.
Left guard Joel Bitonio, a longtime Browns cornerstone, didn’t hesitate to back Garrett’s claim as the NFL’s premier defensive player. “He’s the best pass rusher in the game,” Bitonio said. “Ask the players, ask the coaches. He’s probably the guy they fear going up against the most. He’s dynamic. He’s a special player.”
Bitonio added that Garrett’s impact extends beyond individual accolades, calling for the Browns to build around him so his talents can translate into team success.
One major hurdle for Garrett’s recognition as the league’s best defensive player is Cleveland’s poor season. At 3-13 heading into Week 18, the Browns have been a disappointment, with their defensive superstars unable to compensate for an offense plagued by inconsistency and injuries. The team’s struggles have likely kept Garrett from being a strong contender for DPOY honors, despite his historic performances.
Cleveland is set to face the Ravens as 17.5-point underdogs in Week 18, a game in which Garrett will have another chance to add to his record-breaking season.
In a league full of elite defensive talent, Myles Garrett has once again separated himself from the pack. His records, consistency, and ability to dominate in any situation make his five-word declaration—”Check the tape, that's why”—as indisputable as his on-field impact. While team success may elude him this year, Garrett’s greatness remains undeniable.
Myles Garrett's biggest goal vs Ravens isn't winning sack title
Myles Garrett would rather play spoiler against the Ravens than earn the NFL's sack title this season.
The Cleveland Browns have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL throughout the 2024 season. Cleveland is 3-13 heading into Week 18 and is in the running for the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Browns seem directionless heading into their final game of the regular season. But Myles Garrett is not letting that get in the way of his goals.
Garrett admitted that he does have one goal for Cleveland's Week 18 game against Baltimore. However, it does not relate to him winning the sack title.
“I mean, I’d rather upset them and mess up their playoff hopes,” Garrett said, via a transcript from the team. “And if the sack title comes along with that, great. Definitely going to do what I can to be disruptive and take No. 8 out of the game as much as possible. If that comes along with it, outstanding. But at the end of the day, I want to win.”
The Ravens have already clinched a playoff spot in the AFC. However, they are still competing for the AFC North title with the Steelers. Baltimore can clinch the division with a win against Cleveland. However, if they lose, Pittsburgh will have a chance at the division title with a win against the Bengals.
Garrett and Trey Hendrickson lead the NFL in sacks, both with 14 heading into Week 18. Garrett is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and has generated 14 or more sacks in four consecutive seasons. However, he has never been the sack leader in the NFL. He has a chance to win that title against the Ravens on Sunday.
Browns' Kevin Stefanski makes blunt take on Myles Garrett's DPOY candidacy
The 2024 NFL season has not featured one lone, dominant defender who is a shoo-in for Defensive Player of the Year. That gives Myles Garrett, the reigning DPOY, as good a chance as anyone to win the award.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski gave his full-throated support for Garrett winning the award on Thursday.
“I don't see how he's not the best defensive player in the league this year,” Stefanski said about Myles Garrett, per Ari Meirov.
This may not be Garrett's best season of his career, but it is hard to argue that he shouldn't win DPOY.
Garrett is an underdog according to the betting markets. Denver's Pat Surtain II recently became the favorite for DPOY over Steelers' linebacker TJ Watt. Lions safety Kerby Joseph is also slightly ahead of Garrett on the betting markets.
Even if Garrett does not win DPOY, he still had a special season. Garrett became the 66th player in NFL history to amass 100 career sacks in December.
Perhaps Garrett can make one final push to convince voters that he deserves to be DPOY again in 2024.
