CLEVELAND, Ohio — In a remarkable display of skill, Myles Garrett recorded a record-setting 5.0 sacks during the Cleveland Browns’ recent game against the New England Patriots. Despite the Browns suffering a 32-13 loss, Garrett’s performance has reinvigorated his pursuit of both the NFL Defensive Player of the Year and the league’s sack title, two goals he established at the start of the season.
Garrett’s impressive performance brought his total sack count to 10 for the season and reestablished him as a frontrunner for the Defensive Player of the Year award. Currently, he is second in the betting odds, trailing only Green Bay’s Micah Parsons. If he secures the award, it would mark the second time in three seasons he has achieved this honor.
Historic Performance and Career Milestones
Although the Browns fell to 2-6 after the game, Garrett’s five sacks have placed him within striking distance of several significant milestones. He is now on pace to achieve a career-high 21.0 sacks, surpassing the club record of 16.0 he set in 2021. This total would also put him just one and a half sacks shy of the NFL single-season record of 22.5, set by Michael Strahan in 2001 and matched by T.J. Watt two decades later.
Garrett’s aspirations extend beyond this season. As he expressed shortly after being drafted first overall by the Browns in 2017, he aims to be among the top 10 players in career sacks. With his current total of 112.5 sacks, he has already surpassed Reggie White for the most sacks by a player under the age of 30 and currently ranks 27th on the official NFL all-time sack list.
Team and Teammate Reactions
Garrett’s teammates were quick to commend his historic performance. Left guard Joel Bitonio acknowledged Garrett’s dominance, stating, “We all know he’s the best defensive player in the league.” Defensive end Alex Wright described Garrett’s achievement as “one of one,” emphasizing the uniqueness of his talent and work ethic.
Despite the personal accolades, both Bitonio and Wright conveyed frustration over the loss. Wright compared Garrett’s five-sack game to a basketball player scoring a career-high while still losing, underscoring the bittersweet nature of individual success amid team struggles.
As the Browns move forward, Garrett’s focus remains on achieving the goals he set for himself during his rookie season. With his contract extending through 2030, there is ample opportunity for him to leave a lasting legacy in the NFL.
Garrett’s future in the league looks promising, as he continues to dominate on the field. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring his pursuit of these significant milestones, which could further solidify his status as one of the game’s elite defenders.