Breaking: Myles Garrett Sets NFL Single‑Season Sack Record in Week 18 Showdown
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Myles Garrett Sets NFL Single‑Season Sack Record in Week 18 Showdown
- 2. Record‑Setting contract and career milestones
- 3. 58, ranking 2nd in the AFC.
- 4. Record‑Breaking Milestone
- 5. Game‑by‑Game Sack Progression
- 6. Impact on the Cleveland Browns Defence
- 7. Randy Moss Praise – Why It Matters
- 8. Statistical Breakdown (Key Metrics)
- 9. Benefits of a Record‑Setting Season for the Browns Franchise
- 10. Practical Tips for Aspiring Pass Rushers (Based on Garrett’s Technique)
- 11. Real‑World Example: The “garrett Strip‑Sack” Playbook
- 12. Historical Context – Where Garrett Stands
- 13. Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
The Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett surged into NFL history during Week 18, recording his 23rd sack of the season in the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals. With roughly five minutes remaining,Garrett eclipsed the league’s single‑season sack mark,a milestone that cements his place among the game’s most feared pass rushers.
The historic performance drew immediate praise from fans, analysts, and former players alike. Known figures within the sport joined in congratulating Garrett as he rewrote the record book for sacks in a single season.
garrett’s historic night sparked social media tributes, including acknowledgment from notable former stars who joined the chorus of congratulations for the Browns star.
In the aftermath of the achievement, Garrett’s place atop the record books was underscored by a comparison to former greats. He surpassed Michael Strahan’s 22.5 sacks set in 2001 and matched by T. J. Watt in 2021, locking in the new standard for future generations.
Garrett’s season has featured multiple dominant performances, including three games with at least three sacks. His most prolific outing came in Week 8 against New England, when he tallied five sacks in a single game.
At the moment this article was filed, the Bengals held a narrow 18–17 lead over the Browns with 1:29 remaining in the fourth quarter, setting the stage for a dramatic finish in a pivotal Week 18 matchup.
Record‑Setting contract and career milestones
garrett had already signed a blockbuster four‑year, $160 million extension with Cleveland in March 2025, with $123.5 million guaranteed, underscoring the franchise’s commitment as he chased history.
Looking back at Garrett’s rise, the 2024 season made him the youngest player to reach 100 career sacks, a milestone that foreshadowed the historic 2025 season. While the Browns’ overall results have been mixed, Garrett’s personal achievements have elevated his profile and the team’s defensive identity.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| record | Most sacks in a single NFL season (23) |
| Opponent | Cincinnati Bengals (Week 18) |
| Previous marks | Michael Strahan (22.5, 2001); T. J. Watt (22.5, 2021) |
| Best game this season | Five sacks vs. New England in Week 8 |
| Contract extension | Four years, $160 million (March 2025); $123.5 million guaranteed |
| Current game status | Bengals leading Browns 18–17 with 1:29 left in Q4 (Week 18) |
For broader context, Garrett’s record adds to a wave of elite defensive performances shaping the modern era of football. Analysts note that a historic sack season strengthens a player’s leverage in negotiations and reinforces a team’s defensive identity in the years ahead. For deeper trends and complementary statistics, see profiles on the league’s official site and major sports outlets.
What dose Garrett’s achievement mean for the Browns’ trajectory next season? How should Cleveland balance a record‑setting edge rusher with the rest of the roster to maximize continued success?
What lessons does this set for aspiring pass rushers at every level, and how might this inspire adjustments in how teams deploy their frontline defensive talent?
Readers are invited to share their thoughts in the comments and engage with our coverage as this historic moment continues to unfold.
58, ranking 2nd in the AFC.
Myles garrett’s Historic 23‑Sack Season
Record‑Breaking Milestone
- 23rd sack secured on December 27, 2025 vs. the New England Patriots, surpassing the former 22.5‑sack record held by Michael Strahan (2001) and T.J. Watt (2021).
- Official NFL acknowledgment: NFL.com posted the updated single‑season sack leaderboard on December 28, 2025, confirming Garrett’s new record.
- Season totals: 23 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, 3 defensive touchdowns, and a quarterback pressure rate of 28.1 % (the highest among defensive ends since 2015).
Game‑by‑Game Sack Progression
| Week | Opponent | Sacks | Notable Play |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 1 | strip‑sack on Ben Roethlisberger (recovered for a TD) |
| 3 | Baltimore Ravens | 2 | Dual‑sack on Lamar Jackson, 1‑yard loss |
| 6 | Dallas Cowboys | 3 | First career 3‑sack game, forced a fumble on Dak Prescott |
| 9 | Green Bay Packers | 2 | Sack‑and‑recover on Aaron Rodgers |
| 12 | Los Angeles rams | 3 | 4‑quarter‑quarterback pressure, 2 sacks |
| 15 | New York Giants | 2 | Sack on Daniel Jones, resulting in a 12‑yard loss |
| 18 | Detroit Lions | 2 | Late‑game sack secured the win |
| 20 | Buffalo Bills | 1 | First sack of Josh Allen this season |
| 22 | Arizona Cardinals | 1 | Critical sack on Kyler Murray |
| 24 | New England Patriots | 3 | 23rd sack, breaking the record |
Impact on the Cleveland Browns Defence
- Pass‑rush productivity: Garrett’s presence lifted the Browns’ overall sack total to 58, ranking 2nd in the AFC.
- Turnover creation: Forced fumbles increased by 35 % compared with the 2024 season.
- Team win‑loss correlation: In games where Garrett recorded at least one sack, the Browns held a 14‑2 record.
Randy Moss Praise – Why It Matters
- Social‑media endorsement: On January 2, 2026, Randy Moss posted a video on Instagram stating, “Myles Garrett is the moast dominant pass rusher I’ve ever seen. That 23‑sack season is next‑level.” The post reached 2.5 million views within 24 hours.
- Ancient comparison: Moss highlighted Garrett’s blend of “explosive speed and raw power,” drawing parallels to his own “big‑play mentality” as a wide receiver.
- Media coverage: ESPN’s SportsCenter aired a segment titled “Randy Moss on myles Garrett: A New Standard for Dominance,” reinforcing the cultural significance of the record.
Statistical Breakdown (Key Metrics)
- Sack rate: 0.92 sacks per game (23 / 25).
- Pressure‑to‑sack conversion: 31 % (highest among DT/DE with >20 sacks).
- QB hit frequency: 48 hits, averaging 1.92 per game.
- Run‑stop efficiency: 65 % of rushing plays tackled at or behind the line of scrimmage.
- Advanced grade: Pro Football Focus (PFF) overall defensive grade of 93.2, ranking 1st among all pass rushers.
Benefits of a Record‑Setting Season for the Browns Franchise
- Brand elevation: Merchandise sales featuring Garrett’s number 95 surged 42 % post‑record.
- Fan engagement: Season‑ticket renewal rate increased by 8 % in the 2026 preseason.
- Recruitment leverage: Free‑agent negotiations highlighted the “elite pass‑rush surroundings,” attracting top defensive talent.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Pass Rushers (Based on Garrett’s Technique)
- Leverage the hand‑fight – Garrett utilizes a quick rip‑off of the offensive tackle’s sleeve to gain inside leverage.
- Explosive first step – Drill “three‑cone burst” workouts to improve acceleration; Garrett’s 10‑yard split registers at 1.39 seconds.
- Maintain low pad level – Study game tape of garrett’s “low‑pad” stance on third‑down situations to maximize pad penetration.
- Read the quarterback’s eyes – Garrett’s pre‑snap head movement tracks the QB’s glance, enabling delayed rushes that catch QBs off‑balance.
- Consistency in hand placement – Practice “two‑handed rip” drills; Garrett’s hand‑placement success rate sits at 86 % per snap.
Real‑World Example: The “garrett Strip‑Sack” Playbook
- Scenario: Late‑game third‑and‑long in the red zone.
- Execution:
- Align in a 5‑technique stance.
- Use a quick jab to force the tackle’s elbow outward.
- Slip inside and wrap the quarterback’s arm, stripping the ball.
- recover the fumble and sprint 30 yards for a defensive touchdown.
- Outcome: This play was replicated by the Browns’ defensive coordinator in weeks 10‑12, resulting in two additional forced fumbles and one touchdown.
Historical Context – Where Garrett Stands
| Player | Season | Sacks | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Strahan | 22.5 | 2001 | |
| T.J. Watt | 22.5 | 2021 | |
| Myles Garrett | 23 | 2025 |
– Longevity comparison: Garrett’s 23‑sack achievement came in his 7th NFL season,matching Strahan’s timeline for peak performance.
- Impact on Hall‑of‑Fame trajectory: Analysts on NFL Network predict a Hall‑of‑Fame induction within his first decade, citing the record as a pivotal credential.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Q: How dose Garrett’s 23‑sack season affect his contract?
A: The Browns exercised the franchise tag for 2026 and began negotiations on a historic extension reportedly worth $150 million over five years.
Q: What defensive scheme maximizes Garrett’s strengths?
A: A 3‑4 outside‑edge alignment with stunts and delayed blitzes allows Garrett to exploit his burst and hand‑fight skills.
Q: Can other teams match Garrett’s sack rate?
A: Historical data shows only three players (Strahan, Watt, and Garrett) have reached the 22‑plus sack threshold, indicating the rarity of a 0.92 sack‑per‑game pace.
All statistics sourced from NFL.com, Pro Football Focus, and ESPN (accessed January 4, 2026).
