Myles Garrett Ready to Prove Himself as NFL’s Best Defensive Player
Myles Garrett is gearing up to solidify his status as one of the NFL’s premier defensive players. The Cleveland Browns star enters the season finale against the Baltimore Ravens with 14 sacks, tied for the league lead with Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals. While the Browns have little to play for as a team, Garrett has a significant milestone in sight: claiming the NFL sack title, a first in franchise history since the stat became official in 1982.
Garrett’s Mindset: Team First, Stats Second
Despite the personal accolade on the line, Garrett remains focused on disrupting the Ravens’ playoff aspirations. “I’d rather upset them and mess up their playoff hopes,” Garrett said, emphasizing his desire to impact the game by neutralizing Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ dynamic quarterback.
The Browns have struggled this season but secured a notable win against the Ravens in Week 8. Jackson threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns in that matchup but was sacked three times, though none by Garrett. However, Garrett has consistently excelled against Jackson, recording 5.5 sacks in nine career games against the two-time NFL MVP.
Why Sacking Lamar Jackson is a Challenge
Jackson is a unique quarterback, blending speed, agility, and passing precision. According to Pro Football Focus, Jackson has been sacked on just 12.2% of his pressures this season. This reflects his exceptional ability to evade defenders, making him one of the toughest quarterbacks to bring down.
“It’s not even close,” Garrett said, acknowledging Jackson’s unparalleled combination of speed and quickness. Garrett compared Jackson’s elusiveness to Patrick Mahomes, noting that Jackson’s running ability adds another layer of difficulty.
A Historic Season for Myles Garrett
This season has been monumental for Garrett. He became the youngest player to surpass 100 career sacks and is the first to record four consecutive seasons with at least 14 sacks. Garrett also leads the NFL in tackles for loss with 21, showcasing his dominance beyond just quarterback pressures.
Garrett’s performance this year has positioned him as a strong candidate to repeat as the Defensive Player of the Year. While competitors like Pat Surtain II and T.J. Watt also have strong cases, Garrett’s combination of statistics and impact on games stands out.
Coach Kevin Stefanski: “Garrett is the Best”
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski believes Garrett’s 2024 season outshines his award-winning 2023 campaign. “The degree of difficulty he’s facing, with all the attention from opposing teams, makes his production even more impressive,” Stefanski said. He highlighted Garrett’s ability to dominate despite frequent double teams and slide protections aimed at neutralizing him.
A Sack Title Would Cement Garrett’s Legacy
Claiming the sack title, particularly by taking down Jackson, would punctuate a stellar season for Garrett. It would not only reinforce his status as the NFL’s best defensive player but also add to his growing legacy as one of the most dominant defenders in league history.
As Garrett himself put it, the proof of his greatness lies in the game tape. With another standout performance, Garrett is poised to make another claim to the throne as the NFL’s top defensive player.
