Myles Garrett on the Brink of NFL History Against Bengals
CINCINNATI — In a highly anticipated season finale, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett stands just one sack away from etching his name in the NFL record books. With 22 sacks already this season, he is poised to surpass the current record of 22.5 sacks, held jointly by Michael Strahan (2001) and T.J. Watt (2021).
Bengals’ Game Plan Focused on Garrett
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor is acutely aware of Garrett’s pursuit of history. He recognizes the determination and skill Garrett brings to the field, especially in critical matchups like this one. “Every year we play him in Week 18, there’s something on the line for his career,” Taylor noted, referencing Garrett’s previous milestones, including his 100th career sack achieved last season.
Taylor continued to emphasize the importance of a strategic plan to mitigate Garrett’s impact. “We just gotta have a plan that puts us in the best chance to win the game, and he can handle whatever he’s gonna handle,” he said. “The way he plays in Week 1, and he plays the same every week. So whether he’s got something on the line or not, he’s got our full attention.”
Past Performance and Current Form
Garrett has already made a significant mark against the Bengals this season, recording two sacks in their earlier encounter, a narrow 17-16 loss for the Browns. His performance that day was nothing short of spectacular, establishing him as a dominant force on the field.
Taylor offered high praise for Garrett, calling him the best defensive player on the planet. “It’s hard to describe what your plan has to be when you play against him,” he said. “And it’s all hands on deck. I have as much respect for him as any player we’ve ever gone against. It’s not a fun process pre-game. It’s not a fun process during the game.”
Bengals Looking to Conclude Season Strongly
As the Bengals aim to improve their record to 7-10 and secure a sweep of the Browns for the second consecutive season, they are fully aware of the challenge Garrett presents. Taylor acknowledged the credit due to Garrett for consistently performing at a high level. “The fact that he’s in position for this record is a testament to his relentless effort,” he said, adding, “He’s an absolute nightmare. And so, no, I don’t enjoy one second of preparing for him.”
With both teams motivated for a strong finish to the season, all eyes will be on Garrett as he attempts to make history against a familiar rival.
