Myles Garrett’s Pursuit of NFL History Falls Just Short Against Steelers
In the waning chapters of a challenging Cleveland Browns season, defensive star Myles Garrett has emerged as a singular bright spot, standing on the precipice of NFL history. This past Sunday, Browns fans watched with bated breath as Garrett repeatedly closed in on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, needing just one sack to break the NFL’s single-season record. With 22 sacks already to his name, Garrett was tantalizingly close to surpassing the mark of 22.5 held jointly by Michael Strahan and current Steelers standout T.J. Watt. Though the record remained intact after Cleveland’s 13-6 victory, Garrett’s relentless pursuit highlighted his transformation into one of the league’s most dominant defensive forces, providing a compelling storyline amid an otherwise disappointing campaign for the Browns.
What made Sunday’s matchup particularly intriguing was the absence of T.J. Watt, one of the current record holders, who was sidelined while recovering from a partially collapsed lung. This created a unique scenario where Garrett could potentially break the record with Watt’s teammate, Aaron Rodgers, as the victim. Throughout the afternoon, Garrett repeatedly burst through Pittsburgh’s offensive line, coming within inches of Rodgers several times but never quite bringing the Super Bowl-winning quarterback to the ground for that record-breaking takedown. The Browns’ defensive intensity clearly rattled Rodgers, who struggled to generate offense for most of the game, with Pittsburgh managing only two field goals despite a late fourth-quarter drive that reached the red zone before being stopped on fourth down.
Garrett’s journey to this moment represents the fulfillment of the immense potential that made him the first overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft. At 29 years old, he has evolved from promising prospect to defensive cornerstone, collecting accolades including the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award and seven Pro Bowl selections. Before this season, Garrett’s personal best was 16 sacks, a mark he reached in both 2021 and 2022. His current campaign has catapulted him into rarefied air, joining conversations about the most dominant defensive seasons in NFL history. With over 410 combined tackles in his career—more than 290 of them solo efforts—and 125.5 sacks, Garrett has cemented his legacy as one of this generation’s premier defensive talents regardless of whether he ultimately captures the single-season sack record.
The record Garrett chases carries its own fascinating history. Michael Strahan initially claimed sole possession of the mark during his remarkable 2001 season with the New York Giants, memorably setting the record against Green Bay Packers legend Brett Favre. Two decades later, T.J. Watt equaled Strahan’s achievement in 2021, creating a shared place in NFL history. Now, Garrett stands at the doorstep of joining—or surpassing—these defensive giants. The record pursuit adds a compelling narrative to Cleveland’s season finale, offering fans something meaningful to celebrate in what has otherwise been a disappointing year for a franchise that entered with much higher expectations.
Despite falling short against Pittsburgh, Garrett’s quest isn’t over. The Browns’ season concludes with a matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, giving the defensive end one final opportunity to chase history against quarterback Joe Burrow. This last-game scenario adds dramatic tension to what might otherwise be a relatively insignificant contest between two teams out of playoff contention. For Garrett, the game represents not just a chance to etch his name in the record books, but also to provide a positive capstone to a season where individual excellence has stood in stark contrast to team struggles. The Browns’ victory over Pittsburgh—improving their record to just 4-12—underscores this dichotomy between Garrett’s brilliance and the team’s overall performance.
Beyond the numbers, Garrett’s pursuit exemplifies the human drama that makes sports so compelling. In a season where playoff hopes disappeared long ago for Cleveland, this personal milestone has given fans a reason to remain engaged and invested. It offers a reminder that even in disappointing campaigns, moments of potential history can emerge to capture the imagination. Whether or not Garrett ultimately claims the record against Cincinnati, his remarkable season stands as testament to his growth from highly-touted prospect to genuine superstar—a rare defensive player capable of dominating games and altering opposing offensive game plans through sheer force of will and athletic brilliance. As the Browns look toward 2024, Garrett’s performance provides at least one foundational piece upon which to build future success.
