Myles Garrett made history on December 24, 2023, by breaking the NFL sack record with his 23rd sack during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite this remarkable achievement, Garrett’s success is overshadowed by the struggles of the Cleveland Browns, who are on track for another disappointing season.
Garrett’s performance stands out in a year when the Browns have only managed to secure three wins, marking a troubling continuation of a franchise that has historically faced challenges. With a current record of 6-25 over the past two seasons, fans and analysts alike lament the missed opportunities for Garrett, who has emerged as one of the league’s premier defenders.
The significance of Garrett’s record-breaking feat is amplified by the context in which it occurred. Coach Kevin Stefanski highlighted the challenges Garrett faces, stating, “What he’s doing with the degree of difficulty, with all the context around it, is so impressive.” This sentiment underscores the reality that a player cannot effectively sack the quarterback if he does not have sufficient opportunities, which is difficult on a losing team.
Garrett’s achievement is particularly noteworthy when examining the statistical landscape of the NFL. According to data from For The Numbers, only one player with at least 18 sacks in a season has defended fewer dropbacks than Garrett this year. This statistic illustrates the unique challenges he encounters, as most players who reach high sack totals do so on teams that have more success on the field.
Historic Context and Competitive Edge
As the 2023 season progresses, Garrett’s stats place him in a rarefied air among past greats. He has recorded 22 sacks on just 458 dropbacks, averaging 20.8 dropbacks per sack. For context, Michael Strahan, who held the previous record of 22.5 sacks, did so with a significantly higher number of dropbacks. This performance positions Garrett as an outlier in the historical narrative of NFL pass rushers.
If one were to adjust Garrett’s pace to match the passing volume that Strahan enjoyed during his record-setting season, he could be on pace for an astonishing 27.2 sacks. This hypothetical scenario accentuates how much more Garrett could achieve if the Browns were competitive, allowing for more passing situations.
Despite the Browns’ struggles, Garrett remains focused on his contributions to the team. He recently stated, “You can only make the most of the opportunities that you get. I’m not asking for more. Hopefully I don’t get any less, but I’m just going out there and playing the game I can play.”
Impact on the Franchise and Future Prospects
The current state of the Browns raises questions about Garrett’s future with the franchise. After signing a four-year, $160 million extension earlier this year, the pressure is on for the organization to improve. With only one playoff victory since drafting Garrett in 2017, the urgency for a turnaround has never been greater.
Garrett’s talent deserves a stage that reflects his abilities, yet the Browns’ inability to support him with a competitive roster has been a recurring theme. While the franchise continues to struggle, Garrett’s individual achievements only serve to highlight the disparity between his performance and the team’s overall success.
As the season nears its conclusion, fans are left to ponder the potential of what Garrett could achieve if he were surrounded by a more capable supporting cast. With the Browns facing another difficult offseason, the hope is that they can build a team that allows their star player to not only shine individually but also contribute to a winning culture in Cleveland.
