At the NFL Honors event, Myles Garrett and Carson Schwesinger expressed their mutual admiration after winning prestigious awards. For the first time in the history of the Cleveland Browns, the titles of Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) and Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY) were awarded to teammates. Garrett received his second DPOY accolade following a record-breaking season that featured 23 sacks, while Schwesinger earned DROY honors by leading all rookies in tackles and establishing himself as one of the most promising linebackers in the league.
After their wins, both players took a moment to highlight the impact they have had on each other”s performances and on the Browns” defense as a whole. With opponents forced to adjust their game plans to account for Schwesinger”s presence, Garrett was able to elevate his own game significantly. He achieved what many consider one of the best pass-rushing seasons ever, tying his career-high with 60 total tackles.
“Playing with him has been great,” Schwesinger stated. “When you”re on the field with him, you know there”s an entire area of the field that”s shut down because of the game-wrecker he is. Being able to learn from him throughout my first year, whether it”s him telling me things or just watching how he prepares and the mentality he has when he”s on the field.” Schwesinger remarked on witnessing Garrett”s exceptional athleticism and the potential of their defense moving forward.
“You could use any word that is paired with unbelievable, freak, game-wrecker, whatever you want, it”ll describe him,” Schwesinger added. “I think this Browns defense is one that”s going to be a force to be reckoned with. I think what we want to do is play fast and play physical, and I think that”s what we are going to do all year.”
Garrett acknowledged how Schwesinger”s success allowed him greater freedom in the game. Schwesinger finished his rookie season with 156 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, and two interceptions, continually developing into an elite linebacker.
“Everyone should have someone like that in their life and on their team,” Garrett commented about Schwesinger. “He is just a pleasure to be around and he”s an unbelievable character overall. It”s unbelievable. He showed flashes throughout camp, and he was consistently good. The way he dialed in every single game day, played through pain, he was resilient, he was tough, he was physical.” Garrett noted that this is just the beginning for Schwesinger, who serves as the team”s green dot wearer and is expected to improve even further with continued development.
Despite the anticipated departure of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, the Browns” defense boasts an abundance of talent heading into the next season. With Pro Bowler Denzel Ward and the potential return of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, along with emerging players like Tyson Campbell, Mason Graham, and Grant Delpit, the coordinator position should attract considerable interest.
