Dawgs By Nature
Losing in sports at any level can take a toll on anyone. Don’t believe me? Ask Hall of Fame left tackle Joe Thomas. Thomas who was a member of the Cleveland Browns for his entire career. Following his career, he talked about how losing took a toll on him, both mentally and physically.
Considering how the Browns only had one winning season during Thomas’s tenure (which was his rookie season, but they missed the postseason), he endured multiple losing seasons and multiple regime changes, but never requested a trade at one point in his career. The Denver Broncos did try to trade for him at one point.
Instead, he put on a brave face and endured.
After another deflating loss to AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers, Myles Garrett is frustrated but, unlike Thomas, is airing things out verbally.
However, during the 1-5 start, he also said this as well:
That was immediately following the Week 6 game. Now, right before Week 7’s matchup, Garrett continues to share his frustrations:
When Garrett requested a trade this offseason, many understood why he chose to. Garrett is a generational player and will get a gold jacket when it’s all said and done, just like Thomas. Garrett has endured a winless season and he’s only had two winning seasons since he’s been here, slightly better than Thomas. The lack of consistent winning led to Garrett requesting a trade, but the team chose not to trade him away and he signed an extension.
The current regime is already viewed in a negative light with the fans; trading Garrett away would’ve made things worse.
How can the Browns alleviate this situation that’s brewing? It’s simple. The team just has to start winning games. It’s not like the team is incapable of winning, but with the roster being devoid of offensive talent, it makes things much difficult. Losing can affect anyone. However, not many people will feel any sympathy for Garrett for feeling the way he feels. Is it unfair? Maybe, but it’s the NFL and Garrett signed the contract.
For Garrett, he has to just endure this season and try to do his best to be a good example for the rest of the locker room. Sunday wasn’t his best game (which led to his frustration being evident), but he shouldn’t let this frustration consume him and affect his play. Maybe taking a page out of Thomas’ playbook would be a better tact at this point.
