Olivier Vernon wins AFC Defensive Player of the Week

Olivier Vernon flashes his talent, wins Defensive Player of the Week

After losing Myles Garrett for the game against the Philadelphia Eagles, many Cleveland Browns fans were worried about how their defensive line would hold up. The Eagles have dealt with several injuries to their offensive line this year. What started off as an incredibly talented unit is now down a few starters and has allowed their quarterback to get beaten up all season.

If there was any game that Myles could have solidified himself as a defensive player of the year candidate, it was going to be this game against the Eagles. However, since he was unable to go, the biggest question mark for the game was how a Browns pass rush, which has been lackluster besides Myles, would fair against this beaten up offensive line.

Olivier Vernon stepped up to plate and absolutely crushed it this past week, notching 3 sacks along with five tackles, a safety, and one pass defended.

Olivier Vernon now has five sacks on the season, including two that he was able to get against the Las Vegas Raiders. With Myles Garrett unable to go against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Browns defense will surely need another performance like this from Olivier Vernon if the defense is to continue its dominant streak.

Vernon now has more sacks this season than he had in his first year with the Cleveland Browns, where he only had 3.5 sacks. If he can continue his uptick in production, he could very well wind up on the Cleveland Browns next season.

This is the final year on his contract, and the Browns could look to keep around Vernon at a lower price tag if he is willing, especially if he continues to perform at the level he’s been at all season.