CLEVELAND, Ohio — In a stunning display of defensive prowess, Myles Garrett recorded a record-setting 5.0 sacks during the Cleveland Browns’ game against the New England Patriots. Despite the team’s 32-13 loss that dropped their record to 2-6, Garrett’s performance has reignited his candidacy for both the NFL Defensive Player of the Year and the season sack title, two goals he set for himself prior to the season.
Garrett’s five sacks not only marked a personal achievement but also doubled his total for the season to 10. This surge places him in close proximity to the coveted NFL regular season sack record, which currently stands at 22.5, set by Michael Strahan in 2001 and matched by T.J. Watt in 2021. With his current pace, Garrett is on track for a career-high 21.0 sacks, surpassing his own club record of 16.0 established in 2021.
Aiming for the Top
Garrett’s ambitions extend beyond individual accolades. He aims to join the ranks of NFL legends by positioning himself among the all-time sack leaders. Currently, he holds 112.5 sacks, surpassing Reggie White and ranking 27th on the official NFL all-time list. To break into the top 10, he will need to surpass Richard Dent and John Randle, each with 137.5 sacks.
Garrett’s determination has been evident since joining the NFL as the first overall pick in the 2017 draft. In a past interview, he emphasized his desire to achieve multiple records during his career, stating, “I’ve gotta win Defensive Player of the Year… I want to be the sack leader.” His recent performance has put him in a strong position to fulfill these aspirations.
While the NFL Defensive Player of the Year often favors players on winning teams, his outstanding metrics may not go unnoticed. As of now, he is the second favorite behind Green Bay’s Micah Parsons for this honor.
Team Praise and Future Goals
Garrett’s teammates have expressed admiration for his record-setting performance. Left guard Joel Bitonio remarked, “He’s the best defensive player in the league, best pass rusher. Sometimes sacks don’t always tell the story, but getting five sacks is impressive.” Defensive end Alex Wright echoed this sentiment, describing Garrett as “one of one” among pass rushers and noting his relentless drive to improve.
Despite the team’s struggles this season, Garrett’s performance against the Patriots showcased his ability to dominate on the field. He acknowledged the unique opportunities he received during the game, saying, “They gave me more one-on-ones than some other teams. We also created that by moving me around, putting me in different positions.”
With the Browns now on a bye week, Garrett has a chance to regroup and focus on the upcoming challenges. As he aims for the season sack title and the NFL record, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can continue this remarkable trajectory.
