In a thrilling matchup between the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers, all eyes were on Myles Garrett as he stood on the precipice of history.
The Browns' star defensive end entered Week 17 with 22.0 sacks, just one shy of the NFL record for the most sacks in a single season. The record, currently at 22.5 sacks, is jointly held by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt .
The game against the Steelers was set to be a pivotal moment for Garrett, as he sought to break the record in front of a home crowd. However, it was not to be. Garrett, who had been on an incredible run of form, did not record a sack in the Browns' 13-6 victory over their divisional rivals .
Garrett's absence from the sack column was notable, as it marked the first time since Week 6 that he had failed to record at least a half-sack in a game. This streak of dominance had been a cornerstone of his record-breaking season, making his Week 17 performance all the more surprising .
The Steelers, aware of the historic implications, implemented a strategic game plan to neutralize Garrett. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing against his former team, executed a quick-release offense, minimizing the opportunities for Garrett and the Browns' defense to apply pressure . The result was a game where Garrett, despite his best efforts, finished with just a single tackle .
The Steelers' defensive strategy was not the only factor at play. Garrett's own performance, while not record-breaking, was still impactful. His presence on the field forced Rodgers to alter his play style, and his ability to disrupt the opposing offense was evident throughout the game .
Despite the disappointment of not securing the record, Garrett's performance this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. His 22.0 sacks are a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and his impact on the Browns' defensive unit. As the season comes to a close, fans and analysts alike will be reflecting on the incredible journey of one of the NFL's most dominant defensive players .
