Myles Garrett Nears NFL Single-Season Sacks Record: Key Facts to Know
In the competitive landscape of the NFL, Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns is on the cusp of rewriting history. As of now, he is just a few sacks away from breaking the single-season record for most sacks in a season. On Sunday, during a pivotal matchup against the Chicago Bears, Garrett will not only seek to surpass his personal best but also target the current record of 22.5 sacks held by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt.
Myles Garrett’s Historic Journey
Garrett’s impressive performance this season has already seen him achieve the milestone of 20 sacks. This feat places him among a select group of only 13 players who have ever reached this mark in a single NFL season. Although Garrett recorded only one sack in each of his past two games, he has demonstrated his ability to excel with multiple sacks in a game, having achieved three sacks or more in three matches this year.
Key Stats
- Current Sacks: 20
- Record to Beat: 22.5
- All-Pro Selections: 4
- Career Sacks Before Age 30: 122.5
- Games with Three or More Sacks: 8
- Previous Career Highs: 16 (2021 and 2022)
- Tackles for Loss in 2023: 31
Garrett’s most memorable game came against the New England Patriots in late October, where he recorded five sacks. He also showcased his skills against the Baltimore Ravens, where he had four sacks against two-time MVP Lamar Jackson. This level of performance suggests that he could indeed pose a significant threat during the game against the Bears.
The Challenge Ahead
Facing off against Garrett will be Caleb Williams, the Bears’ quarterback and another first overall draft pick. Williams has physical agility and evasive maneuvers, making him a challenging target for Garrett. The Bears may adopt strategies similar to those used by the Tennessee Titans, relying on a strong running game and quick passes. Garrett understands that Williams’ agility is comparable to that of other elite quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes.
Looking Ahead
As a four-time first-team All-Pro and the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Garrett is well aware of the significance of this season. With four games remaining, he leads the sack chart by seven over his closest competitor, Brian Burns of the New York Giants. Beyond the single-season sack record, Garrett has his sights set on breaking J.J. Watt’s record of 39 tackles for loss.
This weekend’s game will be crucial not just for the sack record but also for reinforcing Garrett’s legacy within the league. With talent, determination, and a bit of luck, he could very well etch his name in NFL history.