Myles Garrett eyes NFL sack record with determination
Myles Garrett stands just five sacks away from etching his name into the NFL record books, a feat currently shared by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt. With six regular-season games left in the 2023 season, Garrett is not just chasing personal milestones; he’s also committed to elevating the struggling 3-8 Cleveland Browns.
A season of personal bests
Garrett’s performance this season has been nothing short of spectacular, with 18 sacks in 12 games, setting a new personal record for the standout defensive end. Yet, Garrett isn’t content merely with personal accolades. He believes he is destined for greatness. “I don’t even think about it as a want. I just think about it as something I’m gonna knock down,” he stated recently. “It’s already been written in my mind that it’s going, it’s just how far I’m gonna take it.”
Sacks often come in flurries, and Garrett has proven that point, racking up an impressive 13 sacks over his last five games. His current form has sparked conversations about whether he is playing the best football of his career. As he heads into Week 13, Garrett is an overwhelming -1000 favorite to reclaim the NFL Defensive Player of the Year honor, having won the award last season amidst a tumultuous backdrop of a trade request.
Navigating team dynamics and personal goals
Garrett’s trade request last season raised eyebrows, as he openly questioned the Browns’ commitment to contending for championships. Now, at 29, he finds himself in a position where personal accolades are not enough; he craves team success and a shot at the Super Bowl.
The need for a collaborative effort from the Browns is clear. This offseason, the organization must focus on swiftly rebuilding its offense to complement a defense that is already championship caliber, spearheaded by Garrett. If he can maintain this level of performance into 2026, the Browns could be primed for a playoff run, provided they address their offensive shortcomings.
Recognition for excellence
Earlier this week, Garrett was honored as the NFL Defensive Player of the Week after a dominant showing against the Raiders, where he recorded three sacks and forced two fumbles in a crucial win. This accolade tied him with Browns legend Bernie Kosar for the most such honors in franchise history, with a total of five.
Despite his impressive season, Week 12 marked a surprising first for Garrett—it was the first time he was held without a sack in a game this season. The consistency of his performance has been a bright spot for the Browns, even as the team struggles to find its footing. As he approaches the final stretch of the season, all eyes will be on Garrett as he attempts to make history while also pushing his team toward a brighter future.
