Browns’ Season Unravels as Myles Garrett Pursues NFL Sack Record
The Cleveland Browns find themselves mired in disappointment as they navigate a tumultuous season, managing only three wins through Week 16. With the playoffs out of reach, the focus has shifted for the franchise to draft positioning as they look toward the future. Amidst this discontent, there remains a glimmer of hope, as two standout players will represent the team at the 2026 Pro Bowl games in February.
Pro Bowl Representatives Shine Amid Struggles
Superstar defensive end Myles Garrett and cornerback Denzel Ward will carry the Browns’ banner at the Pro Bowl, scheduled for Tuesday, February 3rd, in the Bay Area, coinciding with Super Bowl LX. This year, the Pro Bowl will feature revamped events, including various skills competitions and a flag football game, while the traditional AFC vs. NFC format remains intact.
Myles Garrett: Chasing History
Myles Garrett’s journey this season has been as remarkable as it has been challenging. Last year, at the Super Bowl, he made headlines with a public trade request, voicing concerns about the team’s direction. Despite that tumult, Garrett secured a lucrative four-year deal complete with a no-trade clause, solidifying his commitment to Cleveland.
Now, with the team struggling to compete, Garrett has turned his focus solely on personal achievement. He is on the brink of making history, just one sack shy of breaking the single-season sack record, a mark currently held by both Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt. With 22 sacks and two games remaining, Garrett’s pursuit of the record adds a compelling narrative to an otherwise lackluster season.
Denzel Ward: A Defensive Stalwart
Denzel Ward, meanwhile, has continued to establish himself as a cornerstone of the Browns’ defense. Despite the team’s overall struggles, Ward’s performance has been a beacon of consistency. He started all 16 games last season during the team’s three-win ordeal and has participated in 13 of the 15 games this year. His prowess is well recognized by opposing offensive coordinators, who often avoid targeting him.
Ward’s stats illustrate his impact: he recorded two interceptions last season and added another this year, alongside 38 total tackles. The Browns made a notable move by trading his counterpart, Greg Newsome II, for Tyson Campbell, yet Ward’s dominance in the secondary has remained unchallenged, allowing him to shine even brighter.
A Defensive Duo Worthy of Recognition
Garrett and Ward are emblematic of the talent within Cleveland’s defensive unit, both deserving of their Pro Bowl selections. As the Browns’ season wanes, these two players embody the potential for greatness within the organization, even in the face of adversity. Their presence at the Pro Bowl not only highlights individual accomplishments but also serves as a reminder of the work that lies ahead for the franchise as they look to rebuild and return to contention in the coming seasons.
