Myles Garrett's Case for Top DEs: Dominance vs Team Wins

0:00On March 24th, a recent Top 10 list of all-time great defense events from Old Time Hardball stirred up debate by leaving off Miles Garrett. The Cleveland Brown star has built an elite resume since being drafted first overall in 2017, time for 21st all-time with one, 125.5 sacks and ranking 12th in tackles for loss since tracking began in 1999. Garrett just broke the single season sack record with 23 in 2025, a mark first set by Michael Shrein. He also won his second defensive player of the year award that year, becoming just the ninth player to earn it twice since 1971. Analysts like Levion McCoy argue Garrett belongs in the Top 5 or even Top 3 already. But his case spaces hurdles from team struggles as the Browns wins 0 and 16, his rookie year and sit at 8 and 26 over the last two seasons. Even in monster games, like 5 sacks against the Patriots or 4 on the Mar Jackson versus

1:01the Ravens, Cleveland still lost. Playoffs have come only twice in his 131 starts, highlighting how one star can't carry a roster alone. Error matters too, with today's quicker throws at 2.3 to 2.6 seconds and rules curving physicality compared to past decades. Garrett's dominance shines individually, but team wins could solidify his all-time spot as the conversation evolves.