CLEVELAND, Ohio — Myles Garrett is playing football at a level rarely seen in NFL history, leaving opponents helpless and observers awestruck. With 15 sacks through 10 games, the Browns superstar is on pace to shatter the NFL’s single-season sack record of 22.5 — and at least one veteran beat reporter believes it’s going to happen.
“I’ve been saying for a long time, I’ve been saying it for weeks, I wrote it after the Patriots game, he’s getting that sack title this year. He’s going to set the NFL sack record. He’s on pace for like 25.5 this year, and he’s going to get it this year. There’s no doubt in my mind he’s going to come close to having it by the time Sunday’s game is over,” Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot declared on the Orange and Brown Talk podcast.
What makes Garrett’s dominance all the more remarkable is that it’s happening during a losing season. The Browns have managed just two wins despite fielding one of the league’s most dominant defenses, creating a bizarre and frustrating disconnect between individual brilliance and team results.
“To be able to get five sacks and lose the game (against the Patriots) and to be able to get four sacks and lose the game (against the Ravens) is mind blowing to me,” Cabot said. “But that’s exactly what has happened. And in this past game, of course, not only was it four sacks, but it was also two interceptions (by the defense). They won the turnover battle, two interceptions and a fumble recovery and they still couldn’t win the game.”
Perhaps most telling is Cabot’s assessment that this version of Garrett surpasses even the one who won NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. “Even in his NFL Defensive Player of the Year (season), he tailed off at the end. I didn’t think that he played like this. Now it’s just like child’s play for him out there. He’s just trolling people out there. I mean it. And it’s incredible to watch.”
One key factor in Garrett’s record-setting pace has been the improved play of the interior defensive line. For years, Garrett faced constant double and triple teams without consistent interior pressure to punish opponents for overcommitting resources to stop him. That’s changed this season with the emergence of rookie Mason Graham and veteran Maliek Collins.
“This is the first year that I can remember where Myles Garrett has had legitimate help on the inside of that defensive line. Mason Graham, the sack numbers aren’t there, but he’s winning. Maliek Collins is having an awesome season on the inside. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that we’re seeing the Browns be productive on the interior of the defensive line and all of a sudden Myles Garrett is having his best season,” Orange and Brown Talk host Dan Labbe observed.
Cleveland.com film analyst Lance Reisland agreed, noting Garrett’s improved all-around game: “Myles has gotten better this year. He’s bigger, faster and stronger. I know that sounds hard to believe, but he really is. Myles beats 9 out of 10 tackles with pure speed and bend. He’s also playing the run very well this year.”
This historic production is happening despite opponents implementing various strategies to neutralize him. Some teams have committed multiple blockers, while others have adopted what Bastock called a “basketball-like strategy” of essentially letting Garrett “get his” while focusing on executing their offense.
“I think what’s interesting in recent weeks, what has helped him, the New England Patriots and (offensive coordinator) Josh McDaniels made this decision to essentially let Myles get his and not devote a ton of resources to him,” Bastock explained.
As the Browns head to Las Vegas to face the Raiders, all eyes will be on Garrett’s pursuit of history. The Raiders’ offensive line struggled mightily against the Cowboys on Monday night, potentially setting the stage for another multi-sack performance from the Browns’ defensive superstar.
The only question remaining is whether the rest of the team can finally capitalize on Garrett’s dominance and turn it into a much-needed road victory.
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