Myles Garrett, the standout pass-rusher for the Cleveland Browns, is on the cusp of breaking the single-season sack record as he heads into the season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 31, 2023. After failing to secure a sack in the Browns’ recent victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Garrett expressed his belief that the Steelers were more focused on preventing him from reaching the milestone than on winning the game. Currently, Garrett stands at **22 sacks**, just half a sack shy of both the official record of **22.5** and the unofficial record of **23**.
In a press conference on December 27, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow addressed Garrett’s pursuit of history, stating his intention to play the game without altering his strategy for Garrett’s benefit. Burrow remarked, “I’m certainly not going to overcompensate either way. I’m not going to go out of my way to not let him get the record. And I’m not going to go out of my way to let him get the record either. I’m going to go and play football,” according to Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk.
This sentiment reflects Burrow’s approach to the game, emphasizing that every play is distinct and situational. He acknowledged the realities of playing against a formidable opponent like Garrett, who previously sacked him twice in their season opener, a narrow **17-16** victory for the Bengals.
Burrow’s Respect for Garrett
Burrow’s admiration for Garrett extends beyond the field. He described Garrett as “more athletic than everybody else on the field” and praised his unique mindset, which he finds refreshing in a defensive player. “He has a mindset that he’s not too high or too low at any point, which is pretty unique for a defensive lineman,” Burrow noted, recognizing Garrett’s serious approach to the game.
As of Thursday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Garrett as a significant favorite at **-20000** to win the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award for the second time in his career. This accolade further underscores Garrett’s impact on the game and the respect he commands from opponents.
Burrow hinted that he might be aware of Garrett’s pursuit during the game and could respond accordingly if the situation arises. “There’s going to be situations that a sack is the best of the bad outcomes of that play, and maybe I take one,” he explained. “And there’s going to be other situations that I’m about to get sacked, and I need to throw it away in that situation.”
Looking Ahead to the Showdown
As the Bengals prepare to face the Browns, all eyes will be on Garrett’s attempt to etch his name in the record books. The matchup promises to be intense, with divisional rivalries adding to the stakes. Both teams have much to play for, making the final game of the season a compelling encounter.
With Burrow’s commitment to playing his game and Garrett’s determination to break the record, fans can expect a thrilling contest as these two elite players take the field on December 31.