Myles Garrett sparks MVP conversation with record-breaking sack chase as Browns star reshapes NFL history
Myles Garrett is making headlines this season, not just as the frontrunner for the Defensive Player of the Year award, but as a legitimate candidate for the MVP title. His performance has transcended expectations, showcasing a level of dominance that is rarely seen on the field.
Historic Sack Totals
In a stunning display of athleticism and skill, Garrett has amassed an impressive 13 sacks in just the last four games. This includes standout performances with five sacks against New England and four against Baltimore. With a total of 18 sacks already this season, he is tantalizingly close to breaking the single-season sack record held by T.J. Watt and Michael Strahan, which stands at 22.5. With six games remaining in the season, the record is within reach.
Defensive Coordinator’s Praise
Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz believes that Garrett’s impact goes beyond the defensive metrics, asserting that he deserves MVP consideration. “I think you’d be hard pressed to find a more valuable player in the NFL,” Schwartz said. His comments underscore the transformative role Garrett plays in the game. However, Schwartz also pointed out that the team’s success is a critical factor in MVP discussions. “Winning obviously has a lot to do with it,” he added, referencing how Garrett’s remarkable performances in games that ultimately resulted in losses did not earn him the accolades they typically would.
Awards and Recognition
Despite his phenomenal performances, Garrett has faced challenges in securing recognition. In games where he recorded five or four sacks, he was not awarded the Defensive Player of the Week, only receiving that honor after a three-sack game against the Las Vegas Raiders in which the Browns emerged victorious with a 24-10 scoreline. This highlights the complexities surrounding award votes, especially when team success is considered.
A Rare Feat for Defensive Players
Historically, the MVP award has seldom gone to defensive players. Alan Page was the first to achieve this in 1971, followed by Lawrence Taylor in 1986. Both players had remarkable seasons, with Page recording nine sacks and Taylor notching 20. Since then, defensive players have struggled to gain recognition for the league’s most prestigious individual award. J.J. Watt nearly broke through during his 2014 season with over 20 sacks and five touchdowns but ultimately lost out to quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Current MVP Landscape
As the MVP race unfolds, the competition appears more open than usual. While perennial candidates like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson have not met expectations this season, new names such as Matthew Stafford, Drake Maye, and Jonathan Taylor have emerged as leading contenders. Should Garrett continue his record-breaking pace and help the Browns secure several wins, it may be hard to overlook his candidacy for the MVP award.
In a league where dominance is often defined by quarterback play, Garrett’s extraordinary season could redefine what it means to be the most valuable player. As he approaches the sack record, the football world watches closely, eager to see how this chapter of NFL history unfolds.
