Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is on the verge of breaking the NFL’s single-season sack record, having achieved a career-high 19 sacks in just 12 games during the 2023 NFL season. With five games remaining, he is just four sacks shy of surpassing the current record of 22.5, held jointly by Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Strahan and current Pittsburgh Steelers standout T.J. Watt.
Garrett’s impressive performance this season includes a remarkable run of 15 sacks in his last six games, showcasing his dominance on the field. Notably, his total of 19 sacks exceeds the cumulative total of three NFL teams this year: the Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, and San Francisco 49ers. Despite the Browns’ struggles, which include a seventh losing season since Garrett’s arrival, he remains a leading candidate for the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Garrett’s journey has been marked by ups and downs. Earlier this year, he requested a trade in the hopes of joining a contending team but ultimately recommitted to the Browns with a record-setting extension that averages $40 million per year. As he approaches his 30th birthday on December 29, 2023, he is determined to shatter the longstanding record that has stood since 2001.
Garrett’s Record Chase
Garrett’s upcoming match against the Tennessee Titans on December 10, 2023, presents another opportunity for him to inch closer to the record. Remarkably, he is currently on pace for an astonishing 27 sacks, a figure that would not only set a new standard but also allow him to achieve the milestone well before the completion of the regular season.
During a recent game against the San Francisco 49ers, Garrett recorded his latest sack, which brought him to the historic total of 19. This achievement makes him the first player to accomplish such a feat through 12 games since the NFL began officially tracking sacks in 1982.
Garrett expressed his mindset heading into the final stretch of the season, stating, “I don’t even think about it as a want — I just think about something that I’m going to knock down. It’s already been written in my mind that it’s going just how far I’m going to take it.”
His performance has consistently demonstrated why he is considered one of the top players in the league. For example, in Week 12, he recorded a remarkable three sacks against the Las Vegas Raiders, contributing to a total of ten sacks by the Browns’ defense in that game.
Broncos on Record-Setting Pace
On a parallel track, the Denver Broncos are positioning themselves to challenge the single-season team sack record of 72, set by the Chicago Bears in 1984. With 51 sacks through 12 games, the Broncos have displayed a formidable defensive front, with five players achieving four or more sacks this season.
Leading the charge is edge rusher Nik Bonitto, who has accumulated 10.5 sacks, followed closely by Jonathon Cooper with 7.5 and defensive tackle Zach Allen with 6. Their collective effort has solidified Denver’s defense as one of the most effective in the league.
As they look ahead to their upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders on December 10, 2023, the Broncos must maintain their current pace to surpass the famed Bears’ record. During their Week 11 matchup, they managed to sack quarterback Patrick Mahomes three times, emphasizing their capability to disrupt even the most accomplished quarterbacks.
The Broncos’ defensive strategy has been effective, with Zach Allen leading the league in quarterback hits with 30, surpassing Garrett. The team’s ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks has been a key factor in their success this season, as they continue to excel in a competitive environment.
As both Garrett and the Broncos navigate the remainder of the season, their pursuit of historic milestones adds an exciting layer to the NFL landscape. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring their performances in the coming weeks, eager to witness whether Garrett can etch his name into the record books and if the Broncos can achieve their own historic goal.
