Myles Garrett: NFL’s Premier Defensive Force Aims for Historic Third Defensive Player of the Year

Cleveland Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett enters the 2024 NFL season with a clear mission: turn into the first player in league history to win three Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards. Having already secured the honor in 2020 and 2023, Garrett stands alone at the pinnacle of defensive excellence, with only Lawrence Taylor (1981, 1982) and J.J. Watt (2012, 2014, 2015) having won multiple DPOY awards in the Super Bowl era.

Garrett’s pursuit of a third DPOY trophy isn’t just about personal accolades—it’s a testament to sustained dominance in an era where defensive stars often burn bright but briefly. The Browns’ pass rusher has transformed Cleveland’s defense from a liability into one of the NFL’s most feared units, anchoring a front seven that consistently ranks among the league’s best in pressure rate and sack production.

As the 2024 season approaches, Garrett’s health, motivation, and the Browns’ defensive scheme will be critical factors in his quest for history. With the NFL’s offensive firepower continuing to evolve, the challenge of maintaining elite defensive performance year after year has never been greater—but few players in league history have demonstrated the resilience and skill to meet it head-on.

The Road to Two: Garrett’s Defensive Player of the Year Journeys

Garrett’s first DPOY award in 2020 came during a breakout season where he led the NFL with 14.5 sacks, forced four fumbles, and recorded two defensive touchdowns. His ability to disrupt quarterbacks and create chaos in the backfield was instrumental in the Browns’ playoff run that year, their first postseason appearance since 2002. The award marked a turning point for Garrett, establishing him as the league’s premier defensive talent and a cornerstone of Cleveland’s franchise.

After a strong but award-less 2021 and 2022—where he still posted elite numbers (16 sacks in 2021, 14 in 2022) but fell short due to stiff competition from players like T.J. Watt and Nick Bosa—Garrett returned with a vengeance in 2023. His second DPOY award was fueled by a season that saw him record 14 sacks, 44 quarterback hits, and 28 tackles for loss, while likewise improving his run defense and becoming a more complete three-down player.

The 2023 season was particularly notable for Garrett’s durability and consistency. He started all 17 games for the Browns, missing no snaps due to injury, and his production remained elite throughout the year. This consistency, combined with his ability to elevate the play of those around him, was a key factor in voters recognizing his value once again.

Why a Third DPOY Would Be Historic

No player in NFL history has ever won three Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards. The closest anyone has reach is J.J. Watt, who won the award three times (2012, 2014, 2015) but not in consecutive seasons. Garrett’s potential third award would not only break fresh ground but also underscore his ability to maintain elite performance over an extended period—a rarity in a league where defensive linemen often face significant wear and tear.

Historically, defensive players peak earlier in their careers than offensive counterparts due to the physical toll of constantly engaging blockers and pursuing ball carriers. Garrett, now 28 years ancient, is entering what is traditionally considered the prime years for a defensive lineman, but his ability to stay healthy and adapt his game will be crucial. His commitment to advanced recovery techniques, including cryotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and a meticulous nutrition plan, has been well-documented by the Browns’ training staff.

the evolution of offensive schemes in the NFL—particularly the rise of quick-passing attacks and mobile quarterbacks—has made it increasingly difficult for defensive ends to accumulate sacks and disruption statistics. Garrett’s versatility, including his improved ability to drop into coverage and defend against the run, has allowed him to remain effective despite these challenges.

Garrett’s 2024 Outlook: Health, Scheme, and Motivation

Heading into the 2024 season, Garrett’s health status is excellent. The Browns’ official preseason injury report lists him as fully active with no limitations, a significant positive after he played through a minor ankle sprain late in the 2023 season that required no game absences. His availability is never in question; Garrett has started 64 of a possible 65 games over the past four seasons, missing only one start in 2021 due to a coach’s decision rather than injury.

The Browns’ defensive scheme under coordinator Jim Schwartz continues to maximize Garrett’s strengths. Schwartz’s system employs frequent stunts and blitzes that create one-on-one matchups for Garrett, allowing him to exploit his explosive first step and powerful hand usage. In 2023, Schwartz’s defense ranked in the top 10 in the NFL in sacks (48), pressure rate (14.2%), and quarterback hits (112), with Garrett being the primary catalyst.

Motivationally, Garrett has been vocal about his desire to cement his legacy as one of the greatest defensive players of all time. In a recent interview with the Browns’ official website, he stated, “I’m not just trying to win another award—I’m trying to be the best defensive player to ever play this game. Three DPOYs would be a statement, but it’s about more than that. It’s about setting a standard for what sustained excellence looks like.”

The Competition: Who Could Challenge Garrett in 2024?

While Garrett is the clear favorite for the 2024 DPOY award based on his track record and the Browns’ defensive trajectory, several players could pose a serious challenge. The most prominent threats include:

• T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers): Watt has won the DPOY award twice (2021, 2023) and is widely regarded as Garrett’s primary rival for defensive supremacy. In 2023, Watt recorded 19 sacks, 28 quarterback hits, and 16 tackles for loss, showcasing his ability to generate pressure and create turnovers. Watt’s consistency and the Steelers’ defensive pedigree make him a perennial contender.
• Nick Bosa (San Francisco 49ers): Bosa won the DPOY award in 2022 and remains one of the most disruptive defensive ends in the NFL. His 2023 season included 15.5 sacks, 32 quarterback hits, and 20 tackles for loss, and the 49ers’ defense continues to be one of the league’s most aggressive and well-coached units.
• Micah Parsons (Dallas Cowboys): Though primarily an off-ball linebacker, Parsons’ versatility and explosiveness have made him a unique threat. In 2023, he recorded 14 sacks, 42 quarterback hits, and 12 tackles for loss, and his ability to impact the game in multiple ways keeps him in the conversation for defensive awards.

Each of these players brings elite talent and a strong case for defensive player of the year, but Garrett’s combination of production, durability, and the Browns’ defensive identity gives him a distinct edge as the season begins.

What a Third DPOY Would Mean for Garrett and the Browns

A third Defensive Player of the Year award would elevate Garrett into rarefied air, not just in NFL history but in the broader conversation about the greatest defensive players of all time. It would place him alongside legends like Lawrence Taylor, Reggie White, and Dick Butkus as a player who defined an era of defensive excellence.

For the Cleveland Browns, Garrett’s continued dominance would reinforce the franchise’s commitment to building a defense-first identity. Since his arrival in 2017, the Browns have invested heavily in their defensive front, and Garrett’s success has validated that approach. A third DPOY award would likely intensify discussions about Garrett’s future with the team, though he remains under contract through the 2026 season.

Beyond the individual and team implications, Garrett’s pursuit of history serves as an inspiration to defensive players across the league. His work ethic, attention to detail, and refusal to accept anything less than elite performance set a benchmark for what is possible through dedication and resilience.

Looking Ahead: The 2024 Season and Beyond

The 2024 NFL season kicks off on September 5, 2024, with the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Detroit Lions in the primetime opener. The Browns’ season begins the following week on September 8, 2024, when they host the Philadelphia Eagles at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM ET (17:00 UTC).

As the season unfolds, Garrett’s performance will be closely monitored not just for award implications but also for what it reveals about the potential for sustained defensive excellence in the modern NFL. Whether he achieves a third DPOY or not, his impact on the game is already profound, and his journey continues to captivate fans and analysts alike.

For ongoing updates on Myles Garrett’s 2024 season, the Browns’ defensive performance, and the race for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, stay tuned to Archysport. We’ll provide the in-depth analysis, game-by-game breakdowns, and expert insights you need to stay informed.

What do you suppose? Can Myles Garrett make history with a third Defensive Player of the Year award? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.