Myles Garrett Eyes Sack Record in Week 18 Clash with Bengals

The Cleveland Browns will close out their 2025 regular season against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18, and all eyes will be on star defensive end Myles Garrett. Garrett enters the game with 22 sacks, just half a sack shy of the NFL single-season record of 22.5, held jointly by T.J. Watt and Michael Strahan. The Browns’ defensive standout has his sights set on making history against a familiar opponent.

Joe Burrow, Garrett’s longtime divisional rival, has become one of the quarterbacks Garrett has sacked most frequently in his career. Their regular matchups as AFC North foes have created a unique rivalry that blends competition with mutual respect, highlighting the intensity of Garrett’s pursuit of the record.

Garrett’s production this season has been fueled by both his skill and the frequency of facing quarterbacks like Burrow and Lamar Jackson. Cleveland’s schedule gives him repeated opportunities against some of the league’s top offensive talents, which has contributed to his impressive sack total.

As Garrett prepares for Sunday’s showdown, he reflected on his relationship with Burrow, offering insight into both the competitive edge and camaraderie that define their encounters on the field. The upcoming game represents not only a personal milestone but also another chapter in one of the AFC North’s most compelling player matchups.

1. Garrett’s Chase for History

Myles Garrett stands on the brink of NFL history, needing just one sack to tie the single-season record of 22.5. At 30 years old, Garrett has already cemented his status as one of the premier pass rushers in the league, and a record-tying performance would be the latest highlight of an exceptional season. The pursuit of the milestone has added an extra layer of intensity to the Browns’ preparation for Week 18. Garrett’s focus is clear: continue executing at a high level while pursuing the record against a quarterback he knows well. His awareness of the historical significance of this achievement underscores his professionalism and competitive drive. Garrett’s ability to generate pressure has been a cornerstone of Cleveland’s defense this season. His blend of speed, strength, and football intelligence allows him to disrupt opposing offenses consistently, and the Bengals represent another opportunity to showcase his talents. Achieving the single-season sack record would not only cement Garrett’s legacy but also serve as a testament to his durability and consistency over the years. As he closes in on 22.5 sacks, every snap carries significance, both for the individual milestone and for the Browns’ defensive reputation.

2. Rivalry with Joe Burrow

Joe Burrow has become a familiar target for Garrett over the years, and the Bengals quarterback ranks high on the list of those most frequently sacked by the defensive end. Their repeated matchups in the AFC North have created a dynamic rivalry rooted in both familiarity and challenge. Garrett shared candidly about his history with Burrow, saying, “I’ve seen his face on the ground, looking up at me, saying ‘Hi Myles,’ and I, ‘Hi Joe,’ too many times, so yeah, I’d figured he’d be at the top.” The comment reflects both the competitiveness and respect inherent in their relationship. Burrow, in turn, acknowledges Garrett’s dominance and consistency. “He’s more athletic than everybody else on the field — bigger, stronger than everybody else,” Burrow said. “He has a mindset that he’s not too high or too low at any point, which is pretty unique for a defensive lineman.” Their exchanges illustrate how mutual respect can coexist with intense rivalry on the field. The Week 18 matchup offers another chance for this dynamic to play out. For Garrett, it’s not just about a personal milestone—it’s about testing himself against one of the league’s elite quarterbacks under high-stakes conditions.

3. Implications for the Browns

While Garrett’s individual achievements dominate the headlines, the Browns are also focused on finishing the season strong as a team. His pass-rushing dominance can swing games and set the tone for defensive confidence across the roster. Cleveland’s coaching staff has emphasized leveraging Garrett’s talent to maximize pressure on opposing quarterbacks, particularly in critical divisional games. Burrow and the Bengals represent both a challenge and an opportunity to cap the season with a statement performance. The pursuit of the sack record could also elevate team morale, giving teammates a tangible milestone to rally around. Garrett’s leadership and work ethic provide a model for younger players and reinforce the culture of accountability in the locker room. Ultimately, Garrett’s chase for the record is intertwined with team performance. A strong showing against the Bengals could highlight his individual excellence while boosting Cleveland’s defensive identity heading into the offseason.