Can we speak frankly about the Cleveland Browns' best player, Myles Garrett?
Yes, he should play a bigger role for the franchise after being given his four-year, $160 million extension with the team back in March.
Yes, as a leader he should be here for OTAs and be the first guy in the building and the last guy out.
And yes, when Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz says, "With great power comes great responsibility" when talking about the team's defensive superstar. ... he shouldn't require the media (or the Browns) to have to soften the phrasing as if the Spider-Man reference is anything other than a mandate asking for the aforementioned.
While we certainly respect the views of long-time Browns insider Terry Pluto, who insists the Spider-Man reference isn't "so much leadership'' ...
What else is there?
More sacks? More tackles for loss?
Last season, the 29-year-old edge rusher finished with 14.5 sacks, as well as leading the NFL in tackles for loss with 22. As a result, he was named First Team All-Pro for the fourth time in the last five seasons.
Said Pluto: "Myles’ personality is not going to change a whole lot. This is what you got ... (Schwartz) said he thought Myles would respond with his best season ever with the contract and all that."
Aha. Now we're onto something ... because this week, Garrett himself is saying that very thing.
“I look forward to having my best season for sure, and I think it’s trending that way,” Garrett said. “Been really good, and I think everything’s pointed in that direction.”
Well, not everything.
Remember, Garrett launched into the offseason by demanding a trade because he believed the Browns lacked a Super Bowl path.
And that really hasn't changed just because he signed the biggest deal for a defensive player in NFL history at $40 million per year.
But ... now it's football time. "Best season'' time.
“The day I stepped forth here at this facility, with this organization, I’ve had an opportunity to have a platform and to set a standard,” Garrett said. “And I’ve got to continue to be the leader for this team and set that standard.”