At a Glance
- 23 sacks broke the NFL single-season record.
- Record was 22.5, shared by Strahan and Watt.
- Garrett reached the mark in 17 games, faster than both predecessors.
- Why it matters: The achievement cements Garrett’s legacy as one of the league’s most dominant pass-rushing defenses.
In a dramatic Sunday showdown, Cleveland’s Myles Garrett secured his 23rd sack of the season, shattering the NFL single-season record. The move came against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he dominated quarterback Joe Burrow in the fourth quarter. With the record in hand, Garrett’s season is already a historic chapter in Browns history.
Record-Breaking Performance
Garrett’s 23rd sack snapped the 22.5-sack record held by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt. The play unfolded in the fourth quarter, as he bulldozed left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and brought Burrow to the ground. The milestone was achieved in 17 games, faster than Watt’s 15-game and Strahan’s 16-game runs.
- 23 sacks total
- 5 sacks vs Patriots
- 4 sacks vs Ravens
- 3 sacks vs Raiders
- 0 sacks in Week 17 vs Steelers
Season Overview
Garrett entered the season as a first-overall pick in 2017 and has been a premier pass-rusher ever since. He posted 4 sacks in the first three games, then a quiet stretch of three games with no sacks, before recording at least half a sack in nine straight games. His monster outings include five sacks against the Patriots, four against the Ravens and three against the Raiders.
| Metric | Record Holder | Sacks | Games |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garrett | Cleveland Browns | 23 | 17 |
| Watt | Pittsburgh Steelers | 22.5 | 15 |
| Strahan | New York Giants | 22.5 | 16 |
Garrett is 30 years old, turning 30 on Dec. 29. He has 125.5 career sacks, tied for 20th all-time and third among active players behind Von Miller and Cameron Jordan. He has at least 10 sacks in eight straight seasons after posting seven as a rookie.
Key Takeaways
- Garrett’s 23 sacks set a new NFL single-season record.
- The record was achieved in 17 games, faster than previous record holders.
- Garrett’s season cements his status as one of the league’s premier pass-rushers.
With the record secured, Garrett’s legacy is already cemented, and his performance sets a new standard for future pass-rushers.
