The Opening Drive 11/18: Carson Schewsinger and Myles Garrett Award Frontrunners Despite Browns Season
It will be interesting to see if voters can separate team wins from defense success.
The Cleveland Browns may be near the bottom of the standings, but two of their defensive players are in contention for major postseason awards. Carson Schwesinger has officially taken the lead in the race for Defensive Rookie of the Year, while Myles Garrett is once again the frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year, even as the team continues to accumulate losses.
This situation is quite rare, as awards typically go to players on winning teams. What Schwesinger and Garrett are accomplishing highlights their dominance, regardless of the team’s record.
Carson Schewsinger’s Meteoric Rise
When the Browns drafted Schwesinger, the expectations were reasonable. He was an early-round pick with a great work ethic and the potential to become a game-changer in the future. However, he has surprised everyone by becoming one of the NFL’s most productive rookies right from the start. He is playing nearly every defensive snap, accumulating tackles, run stops, pressures, and big plays each week. His instincts and physicality are evident on the film, and most importantly, he looks like he truly belongs in the league.
This impressive performance is why his odds for the Defensive Rookie of the Year have skyrocketed. A few months ago, he was considered a long shot, but now he is the clear betting favorite at -230. He has certainly earned that recognition.
The most telling aspect of his success is that he is not just a rotational player; he has become a foundational part of the defense. As a rookie wearing the green dot, he is calling plays, lining up in various positions, and influencing blocking schemes with his presence. This level of impact at his position so quickly is rare and indicates that he is truly a special talent.
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Myles Garrett: The Best Defensive Player in Football… Again
If Schwesinger is the breakout story, then Garrett is the inevitable one.
Despite the Browns’ record, Garrett is having another season worthy of Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) consideration, showcasing elite sack production and game-changing performances that can turn the tide of drives. He remains the most consistently unblock-able edge defender in the league.
What makes Garrett’s situation intriguing is that voters typically favor players on playoff teams. When a team is struggling, the narrative often shifts to, “If he’s so dominant, why isn’t the team winning?”
However, Garrett is challenging that logic. It’s clear to anyone watching that the Browns are losing despite his excellence, not because he isn’t performing well enough. He has already delivered the standout performances needed to earn the award, and if his production continues in the final stretch of the season, it will be very difficult for voters to deny him.
Two Award Favorites on a Losing Team: What It Means
There’s a bigger picture here. If a team with a losing record has the Rookie of the Year and the Defensive Player of the Year front-runners, that means one thing: The foundation of the defense is real.
You don’t stumble into awards like this. You don’t luck into a rookie becoming the best first-year defender in football. You don’t accidentally end up with the most feared pass rusher in the league multiple years running. The Browns have two cornerstone pieces, one rising, one in his prime, and both are playing elite football right now.
While the team’s record may be disappointing and the season might not be progressing as hoped, individual excellence still holds significance. This year, the Browns have two of the top defensive players in the NFL wearing orange and brown.
Final Word
Schwesinger is no longer just a promising rookie; he is now the favorite to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Myles Garrett not only showcases his dominance but may also secure the Defensive Player of the Year title again, despite playing for a team struggling to get wins. While the Browns’ season has not resulted in many victories, it does showcase undeniable greatness. If the voters make the right decision, that talent will be recognized in the offseason awards.
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