Myles Garrett

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is "focused on winning" ahead of a big AFC North matchup with the Cleveland Browns and superstar defensive end Myles Garrett, who recently said that he'd give the edge to Cincinnati Bengals signal-caller Joe Burrow over Jackson at this time.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler relayed that news from a Ravens insider.

"I talked to someone with the Ravens who had this to say about Jackson in relation to the comments: 'He hears so much stuff that it just rolls off -- he's the ultimate competitor, and it's a divisional game so people might take shots. But Lamar is focused on winning.'"

That's certainly the right mentality, especially given the importance of this game. Jackson has led the 7-2 Ravens to the top of the AFC North thus far, but they can't get complacent with the rest of the division sitting at 5-3.

Garrett made his comments on Kay Adams' Up & Adams Show in response to a question on whether he'd give the edge to Burrow or Jackson right now.

However, he made it clear to compliment both players in his response.

"Right now, I think Joe's is coming on strong," Garrett said (h/t Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports).

When he's healthy, I feel like he's one of those guys that can light you up each and every night.

"Lamar, he does it in such different ways. Even if his throwing is not on point that night, he can still rush for 150 and three touchdowns. He can beat you in a couple of different ways, or Joe can light you up for 400. Few people in the league can do that, in general. ...

"I'll take Joe right now as far who has the nod over the other right now."

Of course, Garrett wasn't trying to stir the pot, and he was simply answering a question honestly while being respectful about the situation.

Regardless, Jackson has bigger concerns right now, most notably Garrett himself. The potential Defensive Player of the Year is dominating once again with nine-and-a-half sacks and an NFL-high four forced fumbles in eight games. Jackson and the Ravens will have their hands full avoiding him all afternoon.

A win will also put the Ravens alone in first atop the AFC at 8-2. Baltimore would also have a two-and-a-half game edge (plus the head-to-head tiebreaker) over the Browns with a victory.

Kickoff in Baltimore will take place at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.

The AFC North boasts some of the best quarterbacks in football in Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow and Baltimore Ravens standout Lamar Jackson, but according to Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett, one stands out above the other.

Speaking with reporters Friday, Garrett explained why he believes Burrow has the edge on Jackson.

"He's produced at a higher level at this point in his career even though Lamar has an MVP and he's more dynamic at what he does. But I think that the results that Burrow has speak for themselves. ... I'd give Burrow the nod for what he's been able to accomplish."

Burrow, who made his NFL debut in 2020, earned a Pro Bowl selection and the 2021 Comeback Player of the Year award during the first three years of his career. Additionally, he led the Bengals to back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances during the 2021 and 2022 seasons and a berth in the Super Bowl during the 2021 campaign.

Jackson, who debuted in 2018, is a two-time Pro Bowler, an All-Pro and the 2019 MVP award winner. While the Ravens have reached the playoffs in four of the last five seasons, Jackson hasn't been able to lift Baltimore past the divisional round.

Both quarterbacks surely give Garrett and the Browns a good challenge, but Jackson will get the opportunity to make the defensive end eat his words on Sunday when Cleveland (5-3) travels to face Baltimore (7-2)

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett voiced his displeasure with the NFL's MVP award being won by quarterbacks year after year.

In an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Garrett expressed his disappointment with the recent trend of signal-callers winning the league's premier individual award.

"I think it's a load of crap," the 27-year-old said, before later offering an alternative. "...We have an Offensive Player of the Year award. So, if you want to give the best offensive player an award, we have that handled."

Quarterbacks have won 15 of the last 16 MVP awards, with running back Adrian Peterson the lone exemption in 2012. The last time a defensive player received the honor was in 1986, when New York Giants outside linebacker Lawrence Taylor racked up 20.5 sacks.

Garrett is in the midst of a career year, taking down opposing quarterbacks 7.5 times in six starts while recording a league-leading three forced fumbles. Pro Football Focus has given him a 93.4 grade for his efforts, the highest mark among all edge defenders.

The four-time Pro Bowler is a major reason behind the Browns' 4-2 record this season, especially with starting quarterback Deshaun Watson missing two games due to a shoulder injury.

If Garrett were to stay hot while Cleveland remains in playoff contention, he would have a strong case to break the quarterback-focused MVP trend.

Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett is now a minority partner of the Cleveland Cavaliers under chairman and governor Dan Gilbert.

Garrett purchased a minority stake in the Cavs and will serve as an official brand ambassador for the franchise, the team announced Wednesday.

"I have admired the Cavaliers organization's hard work, tenacity and dedication to the community since my early days in Cleveland," Garrett said in a statement. "To have the opportunity to join this impressive and purpose-filled franchise, under Dan's leadership, is truly a dream come true."

Gilbert added:

As a leader on and off the field, Myles has become a Cleveland icon and shares in our organization's commitment to being a transformative force for good across the region. We are honored to welcome this long-time friend of the team as our new partner and investor. Myles' passion and commitment to the city he loves will allow us to reach new communities and continue to build the successful future of this franchise.

Garrett has been a staple in the Cleveland community since being selected by the Browns first overall in the 2017 draft out of Texas A&M. He has earned four Pro Bowl selections and two First Team All-Pro selections in his seven seasons with the Browns.

The 27-year-old has long been a fan of basketball, even participating in celebrity events, most recently suiting up in the celebrity game at the NBA's 2022 All-Star weekend in Cleveland.

Garrett also helped bring a basketball hoop to Browns training camp this summer. He showed off his dunking skills alongside some of his teammates before challenging Cavs star Donovan Mitchell to a dunk contest.

While the Browns (4-2) are well into the 2023 NFL season, the Cavs are hoping to get off to a similarly hot start this week with the opening of the 2023-24 NBA season.

The Cavaliers have high hopes for the 2023-24 campaign with a roster that includes Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and Max Strus. They open the season on Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets.