Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett won his first Defensive Player of the Year on Thursday.
The premier player for the Pittsburgh Steelers, TJ Watt, was not pleased that Cleveland Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett won Defensive Player of the Year.
On Thursday night, Garrett won his first DPOY award, defeating Watt 165–140 in the vote. Compared to Watt’s 19, the dominant Browns player garnered 23 of 50 first-place votes.
Watt sent a powerful statement on social media following the announcement of the award, despite not being there.
Watt said, “Nothing I’m not used to.”
Watt was a multiple-time finalist before taking home the prize in 2021. His argument for a second honor was strong. With 19 sacked, 4 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and 1 interception, Watt had an NFL-high total of sacks.
Another contender, Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, supported Garrett for the honor but Watt disagreed. In response to a tweet labeling the voting a “rig job,” Parsons said.
“A terrible decision! Myles was the superior athlete. Parsons sent out a tweet. “The scenario as it is! Myles was subjected to a lot more double-teams and quarterback pressure! Fans, please look at the movie instead of the stats!
Myles Garrett of the Browns persevered despite a shoulder issue.
Despite playing with a shoulder injury in the second part of the season, Garrett was a constant presence. In the end, he recorded 14 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and 30 quarterback hits.
Garrett hinted at his desire to win the Super Bowl when receiving his trophy and promising something “bigger” the next season.
Garrett stated, “To the city of Cleveland, this one’s for you.” “Next time, we’re going to bring something bigger home.”
Garrett was the driving force behind the Browns’ defensive revolution. The Cleveland defense was fierce under new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who was named Assistant Coach of the Year. The Browns’ overall defense, which allowed just 270.2 yards per game, led the league.
But then things didn’t go well in the postseason. The Houston Texans defeated the Browns team 45–14 after dismantling their lineup. Garrett only had two tackles and no sacks due to his containment.
“We got beat,” Garrett said after the loss. “We were outcoached, undermanned and outgunned. … The game wasn’t that far away from us. It was all about the execution,” Garrett continued. “Speaking as a defensive player, I know we could have executed a lot better.”
The Browns leaders gushed about Garrett after he was named the winner. Browns general manager Andrew Berry expects more hardware on Garrett’s mantle by the time he calls it a career.
“Hopefully the first of several,” Berry said in a statement. “We are so proud of him. We see how hard he works every day. He represents our city and our franchise at such a high level. It’s not just what he does on the field, but what he does off the field as well. He’s as dominant as a force as there is in the entire league and we’re so proud.”
Garrett has also drawn praise from his peers, including Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
“Man, I’m glad I didn’t have to face him this year,” Kelce remarked during the media day for the Super Bowl. “He was a terror, and it appears that he’s settled into the NFL. Cleveland is lucky to have a guy like that, as he’s involved in the community, making a difference, and being motivated by the right things.”
The Browns will make finding Garrett a quality pass-rush partner a top priority this offseason. Za’Darius Smith, who started 16 games, is expected to be a free agent.
