Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons Debate MVPs Being Solely Given Out to QBs: “It’s Too Easily Handed to Them”

Cleveland Browns superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett wants to leave a greater impression on the game.

Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons Debate MVPs Being Solely Given Out to QBs: “It’s Too Easily Handed to Them”

Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons (Image via NFL on CBS/Redzone Rants/X)

In Short
  • Myles Garrett argues that MVP awards are too often given to quarterbacks, overshadowing defensive players.
  • Garrett aims to establish himself as one of the all-time greats despite the challenges for defensive players in MVP consideration.
  • Only two defensive players have ever won the MVP award in its 68-year history, highlighting the rarity of such recognition.

Myles Garrett just won the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award and had close friend Micah Parsons also in the race until the latter ended his season early.

That ACL tear stopped what could have been the perfect response to Jerry Jones for shipping him away from the Dallas Cowboys over a contract dispute. Nonetheless, Parsons was supportive of the Cleveland Browns’ defensive superstar in his quest to eclipse the league’s single-season sack record.

Despite the alleged best efforts by some rivals, the 30-year-old managed to etch his name in the history books in the final game of the season. The league even allowed the Browns to celebrate the achievement on the field, even though the game was still in session.

After such an impactful performance, his second DPOY was locked. But the Texas A&M alum believes it should also have at least entered his name for the regular-season MVP award.

QBs can’t be winning these games in the playoffs… It’s too easily handed to them. I feel like we are not taking to account the things that we do. A lot of the numbers that we have… it’s not as easily seen as touchdowns, yards, catches, rushes, all that.

Myles Garrett told Micah Parsons

This was the Browns superstar’s opinion when Micah Parsons asked why the league does not look at defensive players as MVPs. Garrett believes it is the way the metrics are portrayed, as well as the conversations.

Myles Garrett has an MVP next in his sights

This entire conversation started when Micah Parsons asked Myles Garrett what his next goal is after garnering the sack record and his second Defensive Player of the Year award.

Myles Garrett eyes MVP award next
Myles Garrett eyes MVP award next (Image via Toronto Sun/X)

They are saying that a Defensive Player (of the Year) can’t win MVP. We don’t affect winning enough. That’s the next mission, that’s all I’m thinking of.

Myles Garrett replied

The seven-time Pro Bowler admitted that it is difficult for anyone else to win MVP, as quarterbacks have the biggest advantage, that is, having the ball in their hands.

That alone defines their effect on winning, unlike defensive players whose job is to go after anyone who has the ball. However, that is not going to deter him from doing better.

Now that he has enough accomplishments to establish himself as one of the all-time defensive greats, he wants to go the extra mile and establish himself as one of the game’s GOATs. It will be a monumental task as just two defensive players have ever won the award.

Myles Garrett will have to go on an otherworldly run to win league MVP award

The last defensive player to win the regular-season MVP award was the great Lawrence Taylor. That was in 1986, 15 years after the Associated Press felt that defensive tackle Alan Page was worthy of one. Just two defensive players in the award’s 68-year history make it even harder for anyone playing on that side of the ball to get their name thrown into the circle.

If Myles Garrett, with his record-setting 23 regular-season sacks, impactful performances, and leadership abilities, could not see his name anywhere in the MVP race, it would require a monumental effort to get there.

When Alan Page won the award, he was the leader of one of the best defenses to ever feature in league history. More importantly, he led his team to the playoffs.

Lawrence Taylor went a lot further. He led the league in sacks with his 20.5 takedowns, and also spearheaded his New York Giants to their first-ever Super Bowl.

A Super Bowl may be a long shot for the Cleveland Browns next season, with uncertainty over their starting quarterback still a matter of discussion. As Garrett said, in the postseason it does not matter, but they have to get to the playoffs for him to take over.

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