Myles Garrett wasn't the only Cleveland Browns' defensive lineman whose presence was constantly felt on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Third-year man Isaiah McGuire continued his ascent towards the top of the NFL with another stellar performance against the run, and he showed significant development as a pass-rusher, which bodes very well for his impact this season and for the possibility of a lucrative contract extension.
Throughout the offseason, there seemed to be a battle between McGuire and Alex Wright for the starting EDGE spot opposite Garrett, at least on the surface. McGuire got the start, and though Wright was effective in a rotational role, McGuire maximized his 29 snaps, earning an 88.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, which ranked him seventh in the NFL in Week 1.
Run-Stopping Revelation
During the 2024 campaign, McGuire proved himself as one of the league's elite run defenders, gradually earning more and more playing time over the course of the season. He was adept both at making stops and at avoiding negative reps, which is crucial when playing the run. On Sunday, he did more of the same, playing a key role in holding the Bengals to under 50 rushing yards.