Myles Garrett’s Record-Breaking Form Puts NFL Sack History Within Reach

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett has long been recognized as one of the league’s premier pass rushers, but his 2025 season is pushing him into rare historical territory. With six games still remaining, Garrett has already shattered his own franchise record and positioned himself within striking distance of one of the NFL’s most enduring marks.

Garrett delivered another commanding performance in the Browns’ 24-10 Week 12 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, registering three sacks to bring his season total to 18. In doing so, he surpassed the 16-sack standard he set in both 2021 and 2022, further cementing his status as the centerpiece of Cleveland’s defensive identity.

Yet the reigning Defensive Player of the Year has consistently downplayed any individual accolade. Even as the national conversation shifts toward whether he can break the NFL’s single-season record of 22.5 sacks — shared by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt — Garrett has reiterated that wins, not numbers, remain his priority.

That mindset has stood in contrast to Cleveland’s struggles, as the Browns have secured only three victories this season. But Garrett’s leadership, intensity, and refusal to let the team fade have become defining traits of a campaign in which he has carried much of the defensive burden.

1. A Dominant Stretch in Historic Company

Garrett’s recent form has elevated him into statistical territory rarely seen since sacks became an official stat in 1982. Over his last four games, he has produced 13 sacks, the highest total in any four-game stretch in modern NFL history. His pressure has also translated into forced fumbles, quarterback hits, and steady disruption that has consistently altered opposing game plans. The performance has reinforced his trajectory toward one of the league’s most formidable single-season pass rushing campaigns. Closing a five-sack gap between his current total and the NFL record appears reachable, especially given his sustained surge and the attention his presence commands. Even more remarkable is the efficiency with which he has reached this point. Garrett has not relied on inflated snap counts or situational blitz schemes; instead, he has succeeded through power, technique, and an ability to win consistently against double-teams. While individual milestones naturally generate headlines, Garrett’s productivity has come during a season in which the Browns have struggled to maintain cohesion — adding further weight to just how transformative his performances have been.

2. Leadership Beyond the Stat Sheet

Although Garrett’s historic pace has dominated league-wide discussions, his contributions extend well beyond his statistical profile. Following Cleveland’s 27-20 loss to the New York Jets last week, he publicly vowed not to let the team lose its competitive edge, reinforcing his commitment to lifting his teammates as the season winds deeper into adversity. He has repeatedly emphasized that personal achievements carry meaning only when paired with team success. When asked what the NFL’s all-time sack record represents, Garrett responded simply: “I hope I can do it in a win.” His stance reflects the leadership qualities the Browns have leaned on during challenging stretches. His presence has also accelerated the development of the team’s younger defenders. Rookie defensive tackle Mason Graham has benefited from favorable matchups created by the constant double-teams Garrett draws, while linebacker Carson Schwesinger — a leading Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate — has flourished in Jim Schwartz’s aggressive system. In many respects, Garrett’s consistency and leadership have become foundational pillars for a defense that has shown flashes of elite potential despite the team’s overall record.

3. A Manageable Path Toward NFL History

Cleveland’s Week 12 win over Las Vegas offered another reminder of Garrett’s ability to take over games. He produced three of the Browns’ 10 sacks, including a crucial strip-sack of Geno Smith in the closing minutes that sealed the victory. It was the kind of play that underscores why opponents routinely design entire protection schemes around stopping him — often unsuccessfully. Looking ahead, Garrett’s pursuit of the single-season record appears increasingly plausible given the remaining schedule. The Browns face teams that have allowed notable sack totals in 2025: San Francisco (19), Tennessee (45), Chicago (17), Buffalo (28), Pittsburgh (21), and Cincinnati (24). Several of those offensive lines have struggled with injuries or inconsistency, creating opportunities for Garrett to continue his dominant run. If he maintains anything close to his recent pace, reaching or surpassing 22.5 sacks is firmly within reach. But Garrett has made it clear that he wants the record to serve as a backdrop to team success rather than the centerpiece of his season. Whether Cleveland can capitalize on the momentum created by its star defender remains one of the Browns’ defining questions heading into the final stretch of the season.