Browns Claim Victory Over Steelers Amid Garrett’s Record Chase
The Cleveland Browns pulled off a surprising 13-6 victory against their bitter rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the game came with a bittersweet note for Myles Garrett. The star pass rusher entered Week 17 just one sack shy of tying the single-season record held by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt. Despite the win, Garrett did not add to his sack total, leaving the record tantalizingly out of reach for another week.
Garrett’s Determined Mindset
Even with the record in his sights, Garrett’s focus remained on the team’s success. “I don’t care what the situation is with the record,” Garrett stated confidently after the game. “Not a single one of us wants to lay down to a team or a man that’s in front of us. I’ll be damned if I’m just going to go out there and lay down to another team just because we want a better draft pick.” His resolute attitude exemplifies the competitive spirit that drives the Browns, who refused to be intimidated by the pressure of the moment.
The Steelers’ game plan was evidently fixated on neutralizing Garrett, which created openings for the Browns. “I feel like to an extent, they were more worried about keeping me away from Aaron than getting the win, and I think that’s what came to bite them,” Garrett remarked, reflecting on the Steelers’ priorities during the game.
Implications of the Win for the Browns
This victory held greater significance beyond just a win in the standings. Prior to the season, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam made it clear that a dismal record like 3-14 would not suffice for a successful year. With this win, the Browns reached their fourth victory of the season, aligning with Haslam’s expectations, even if the overall campaign has been disappointing.
For head coach Kevin Stefanski, this win against the Steelers could provide a much-needed respite from scrutiny. Though the Browns’ offense still has room for improvement, this hard-fought victory indicates that the team has not given up, even after enduring back-to-back disappointing seasons. “I think Myles affects every single game. He shows up on the stat sheet in a bunch of areas, even in ways you don’t always see,” Stefanski noted, emphasizing Garrett’s impact on the field.
Looking Ahead to Future Challenges
Garrett’s pursuit of the sack record will continue next week against the Cincinnati Bengals, who also come off a win, albeit one that lacks playoff significance. The Bengals’ recent victory over the Arizona Cardinals hints at their own resilience as they prepare for the matchup. With the record still within reach, Garrett and the Browns will aim to build on their momentum and finish the season strong, proving that their fight extends beyond just personal milestones.
