Cleveland Browns Sweep NFL Honors, Myles Garrett Shines as Defensive Player of the Year
ICARO Media Group
In a surprising turn of events, the Cleveland Browns emerged as the clear winners at this year's NFL Honors, nabbing all four awards they were nominated for. The recognition serves as validation for a successful season, although the team had their sights set on an even greater achievement - playing in the Super Bowl.
The closest voting of the night was for the Coach of the Year award, which ultimately went to the Browns' head coach, Kevin Stefanski. Stefanski's leadership and strategic prowess impressed many, garnering him the well-deserved recognition.
Quarterback Joe Flacco's Comeback Player of the Year win came as the most surprising moment of the evening. Flacco's remarkable comeback after a challenging period in his career struck a chord with voters, showcasing his resilience and determination.
The Assistant Coach of the Year award kicked off the night on a positive note for the Browns, with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz receiving the honor. Schwartz's contributions to the team's defensive success were undeniable, and his recognition reflected the impact he had on the Browns' performance throughout the season.
However, the most contentious award of the night was the Defensive Player of the Year. Myles Garrett's win, although well-deserved, sparked a heated debate. Pittsburgh Steelers' edge rusher TJ Watt, who was considered a strong contender for the award, expressed his disappointment. Yet, fellow finalist Micah Parsons came to Garrett's defense, arguing that his performance warranted the recognition.
Interestingly, Garrett emerged as the winner over Watt in multiple voting situations this year. Notably, the NFLPA, comprised of the players themselves, selected Garrett over Watt for their All-Pro Team. The Browns' defensive end also secured the Pro Football Writers of America's vote for the DPOY title. Clearly, Garrett left a lasting impact on both his peers and industry experts.
Moreover, Garrett's exceptional performance did not go unnoticed by voters for the coveted NFL MVP title. While the honor ultimately went to QB Lamar Jackson, Garrett remains the only defensive player to have received any votes for this prestigious award, further underscoring his remarkable talent and impact on the game.
The Cleveland Browns' success at the NFL Honors solidifies their status as a formidable force in the league. With a promising future ahead, fans eagerly anticipate seeing the team's continued growth and their potential to reach new heights on the football field.