Myles Garrett Is Chasing NFL History-But Opponents Are Making Him Earn Every Step
Myles Garrett has been a one-man wrecking crew for most of this season. At one point, the Cleveland Browns’ star edge rusher looked like he was on a rocket ship headed straight for the NFL’s single-season sack record. But as we head into Week 17, that record-22.5 sacks-remains just out of reach, and Garrett is feeling the weight of the chase.
Let’s rewind to late October through mid-November, when Garrett was simply unstoppable. In a four-game stretch, he racked up 13 sacks, including a career-best five against rookie Drake Maye and the Patriots, and four more in a dominant performance against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. That’s the kind of production that doesn’t just turn heads-it warps offensive game plans.
For context, only four players in the entire league have reached 13 sacks all season. Garrett did it in a month.
So when the Browns rolled into Tennessee in Week 14, facing a struggling Titans squad with rookie quarterback Cam Ward under center, it felt like the record was all but his. But football rarely follows the script.
Garrett managed just one sack that day, bumping his season total to 20. Meanwhile, Titans running back Tony Pollard gashed Cleveland for 161 yards on the ground, and Tennessee leaned into a quick-passing game that neutralized Garrett’s impact off the edge.
The Browns lost that game 31-29, and since then, Garrett’s pace has cooled. He added 1.5 sacks against Caleb Williams and the Bears, bringing him to 21.5-just one shy of tying the record.
But the Browns were blown out in that game, 31-3, and Garrett was largely quiet in Week 16 against Josh Allen and the Bills. He was credited with just a half-sack, and even that came on a play where Allen gave himself up.
Since his last truly dominant outing-Week 12 against the Raiders, when he terrorized rookie QB Shedeur Sanders with six QB hits, three sacks, four tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles-Garrett has totaled just three sacks and nine quarterback hits over the last four games. By his standards, that’s a slump.
And it’s not just about Garrett. There are real, tangible reasons why the record chase has slowed.
Garrett’s Greatness Is Drawing Extra Attention-And It’s Working
Opposing offenses aren’t just game-planning for Garrett-they’re building their entire approach around avoiding him. Quick throws, rollouts away from his side, extra help from tight ends and backs-teams are doing everything they can to keep him out of the backfield.
After last week’s narrow 23-20 loss to Buffalo, Garrett didn’t hide his frustration.
“It’s tough, when they’re getting it out quick. A lot of quick game, a lot of rolling the pocket the other direction.
I didn’t see a lot of plays in general, in my direction, and I’m sure that’s not by coincidence,” Garrett said. “So that’s tough, to try to be disruptive and get into a groove and work myself into the game when they’re doing stuff like that.
So I just have to think about how I can be more effective, and make more noise next week.”
Garrett isn’t just chasing a number-he’s trying to impact games in a way that changes outcomes. But when offenses are scheming to keep the ball out of his reach, even a player of his caliber can be slowed down.
The Browns’ Defensive Struggles Aren’t Helping
Another factor working against Garrett? He’s not getting much help.
He leads the league with 22 sacks, but the next closest Brown is interior lineman Maliek Collins with 6.5-and Collins has been out since Week 13 with a season-ending injury. That lack of complementary pressure has made it easier for teams to key in on Garrett without worrying too much about anyone else.
Cleveland’s run defense has also been suspect, especially since that Titans game. When teams can run effectively and stay ahead of the sticks, it limits obvious passing downs-Garrett’s bread and butter.
Week 17: One More Shot at the Record
Now, Garrett heads into what could be his final home game of the season, needing just half a sack to tie the record and one full sack to break it. But once again, the matchup isn’t doing him any favors.
The Browns will face the Pittsburgh Steelers and veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who leads all NFL starters this season in average time to throw at just 2.63 seconds. That’s elite-level quick release, and it’s designed to neutralize pass rushers exactly like Garrett.
Rodgers is 42 now, and with D.K. Metcalf suspended for the rest of the regular season, his top target is running back Kenneth Gainwell, who leads the team in receptions. Expect a heavy dose of Gainwell and Jaylen Warren in the run game, plus a steady stream of quick passes to backs and tight ends-another game plan built to keep Garrett at bay.
There’s also a chance the Steelers could rest starters, depending on how the Ravens-Packers game shakes out. That might open a window for Garrett, but nothing’s guaranteed.
Garrett Isn’t Worried-But the Clock Is Ticking
Despite the recent slow stretch, Garrett remains confident.
“It’s going down. I’m not stressed about it.
I’m gonna get it. It’s just a matter of when.”
That’s the mindset of a player who knows exactly who he is. And he’s not wrong-this record feels like it’s still his to claim.
But what once seemed like a sure thing now feels like a grind. The spotlight is on, the margin is slim, and the window is closing.
If Garrett gets the sack this Sunday, it’ll be a fitting moment in front of the home crowd-a deserved reward for a season of dominance.
But if he doesn’t? Well, that’s football.
Nothing is handed out. Even greatness has to fight for every inch.