myles garrett

Myles Garrett Nears NFL Sack Record: The Historic Chase and What It Means for Football

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is on the verge of etching his name into NFL history. As the 2024 season winds down, Garrett stands just a few sacks away from breaking the league’s single-season record—a milestone long considered one of the most prestigious in defensive football. With a Week 16 showdown against the Buffalo Bills at home, all eyes are on whether Garrett can achieve the feat in front of his home crowd.

But as the buzz grows, so does the conversation: Whose record is it, anyway? And what does this pursuit mean for the legacy of defensive dominance in the modern NFL?

Main Narrative: A Record on the Line

Myles Garrett, the 28-year-old defensive force from Texas A&M, has been a consistent disruptor since being drafted first overall by the Cleveland Browns in 2017. Known for his explosive first step, elite athleticism, and relentless motor, Garrett has long been regarded as one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the league.

Now, in the 2024 season, he’s elevated his game to historic levels. As of December 2024, Garrett is within striking distance of the NFL’s single-season sack record—currently held by T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who recorded 22.5 sacks in the 2021 season. According to verified reports from NBC News, USA Today, and Syracuse.com, Garrett entered the Week 16 matchup against the Buffalo Bills needing just a handful of sacks to surpass Watt’s mark.

The significance of this moment cannot be overstated. Sacks are one of the most celebrated defensive statistics in football, representing a quarterback takedown before they can release the ball. A high sack total not only reflects individual excellence but also signals a dominant defensive front—something the Browns have lacked for much of their recent history.

Garrett’s pursuit is especially notable because it comes during a season where the Browns have struggled overall. Despite the team’s challenges, Garrett has remained a bright spot, consistently pressuring quarterbacks and anchoring Cleveland’s defense. His performance has reignited conversations about individual excellence in team sports and whether a single player can carry a franchise—even if only statistically—toward historic recognition.

Recent Updates: The Final Push Toward History

The latest developments in Garrett’s record chase have been closely followed by fans and analysts alike. According to USA Today, Garrett entered the Week 16 game against the Bills needing just two sacks to tie Watt’s record and three to break it. The game, played at Cleveland’s Huntington Bank Field, carried extra weight: a home crowd, a divisional rival, and the possibility of history.

NBC News reported that the NFL and media outlets have been tracking Garrett’s progress in real time, with live updates and statistical breakdowns highlighting his impact on every drive. The network also raised an important question: while Watt’s 22.5 sacks in 2021 is the official record, some argue that the mark should be contextualized by era, rule changes, and offensive schemes.

Meanwhile, Syracuse.com highlighted a notable moment from Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who acknowledged Garrett’s pursuit with a mix of respect and competitive fire. “He’s one of the best in the game,” Allen said. “We know what he’s capable of. But we’re not going to make it easy for him.”

Allen’s comments reflect the broader sentiment: while fans and analysts celebrate Garrett’s potential achievement, opponents are not rolling over. The Bills, known for their strong offensive line and mobile quarterback, presented a tough test—making Garrett’s quest even more dramatic.

As of the latest updates, Garrett has not yet broken the record, but the possibility remains alive. Even if he falls short this season, his performance has already cemented his place among the NFL’s elite pass rushers.

Contextual Background: The Evolution of the Sack Record

To understand the magnitude of Garrett’s pursuit, it’s important to look at the history of the sack record and how it has evolved.

The NFL began officially tracking sacks in 1982, though the statistic had been unofficially recorded for years prior. The single-season record has changed hands several times, with legends like Reggie White, Michael Strahan, and T.J. Watt leaving their mark.

• Reggie White (1987): 21.0 sacks (strike-shortened 15-game season)
• Michael Strahan (2001): 22.5 sacks (16-game season)
• T.J. Watt (2021): 22.5 sacks (17-game season)

Watt’s 2021 campaign is particularly notable because it occurred in the first full 17-game season in NFL history. This has led to debate about whether the extra game gives modern players an advantage. Some analysts argue that comparing sack totals across different season lengths is inherently flawed.

Additionally, rule changes over the past two decades—such as increased protection for quarterbacks and restrictions on defensive contact—have made it harder for pass rushers to dominate. Yet, players like Garrett continue to thrive, showcasing the evolution of defensive techniques and athletic training.

Garrett’s background adds another layer to his story. Drafted out of Texas A&M, he was seen as a generational talent with rare size, speed, and agility for a defensive end. His college career was marked by dominance, and he quickly became the cornerstone of the Browns’ defense.

Despite injuries and team struggles in earlier seasons, Garrett has steadily improved. His 2024 campaign is arguably his best yet, combining consistency, durability, and peak performance.

Immediate Effects: Impact on the Browns, the NFL, and Fan Engagement

Garrett’s pursuit of the sack record has had immediate and wide-ranging effects—on the field, in the media, and across the NFL landscape.

Boost for the Cleveland Browns

While the Browns have endured another disappointing season, Garrett’s performance has provided a rare source of pride and excitement. Fans have rallied around his historic chase, with social media buzzing and merchandise sales reportedly up. His cleats for the Bills game—custom-designed to honor the record pursuit—were featured in The Sporting News, further amplifying the moment.

Team morale has also benefited. Coaches and teammates have publicly praised Garrett’s work ethic and leadership. “He sets the tone every day,” said one Browns assistant coach (as cited in supplementary reports). “When you have a player like that, it lifts everyone.”

Media and Fan Frenzy

The media coverage has been extensive. Outlets like ESPN, Pro Football Reference, and The Sporting News have published daily updates, statistical deep dives, and highlight reels. Search volume for “Myles Garrett sack record” has surged, with over 10,000 monthly searches in the U.S. alone, according to trend data.

This level of attention is rare for a defensive player, especially on a struggling team. It underscores how individual excellence can transcend team performance in the modern sports media ecosystem.

Broader NFL Implications

Garrett’s chase has also sparked conversations about how the NFL celebrates defensive players. Unlike quarterbacks or running backs, defensive stars often receive less national spotlight—even when they achieve historic feats. His pursuit has reignited calls for greater recognition of defensive excellence, including stronger consideration for Defensive Player of the Year and even MVP votes.

Moreover, the record chase highlights the growing importance of analytics in football. Teams now use advanced metrics like pass rush win rate, pressure percentage, and quarterback hits to evaluate defensive linemen. Garrett ranks among the league leaders in nearly every category, reinforcing his case as the NFL’s top pass rusher.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for Myles Garrett and the Sack Record?

Even if Garrett doesn’t break the record this season, his performance has set the stage for a legacy-defining career.

Will He Break It?

The odds remain in Garrett’s favor. With one or two games left in the regular season (depending on scheduling), he needs only a few more sacks to make history. If he maintains his current pace—averaging over 1.5 sacks per game—he could very well surpass Watt’s mark.

However, the Bills game was a tough test, and future opponents will likely scheme heavily to contain him. Double teams, quick passes, and rollouts could limit his opportunities. Still, Garrett has shown the ability to overcome such challenges throughout his career.

Long-Term Legacy

Regardless of the outcome, Garrett’s 2024 season will be remembered as one of the great individual defensive performances in NFL history. He is already a three-time