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The remarkable rise of Myles Garrett
Myles Garrett, the defensive end for the Cleveland Browns, is making headlines this NFL season. With 19.0 sacks to his name, he is on pace to challenge the all-time record for most sacks in a single season. This achievement is particularly striking given the challenges his team faces during this difficult season.
The current record
The official record for sacks in a season is 22.5, a benchmark established by football legends Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt. However, there is an ongoing debate regarding an unofficial record of 23 sacks, set by Al “Bubba” Baker in 1978. This controversy exists because the NFL did not begin officially tracking sacks until 1982, leaving many statistics from before that period open to interpretation. Analyses indicate that Baker recorded 23 quarterback takedowns in 1978, a performance that remains etched in NFL history.
Myles Garrett’s pursuit of greatness
In a recent media interaction, Baker Mayfield expressed his unwavering support for Myles Garrett, the star defensive end for the Cleveland Browns. He conveyed his belief that Garrett has the potential to surpass both official and unofficial records. “Myles Garrett is driven to succeed. He knows about my record, and I am sure he wants to shatter it,” Mayfield stated. He went on to praise Garrett’s consistency and dominance, highlighting his status as a standout player in the league over the past five years.
Garrett’s historic performance
This season, Garrett has accomplished a remarkable feat by recording three games with at least three sacks each. This achievement places him alongside elite players, as only the legendary Lawrence Taylor has surpassed this milestone in a single season, notably during his MVP year in 1986.
As the season progresses, Myles Garrett’s statistics indicate he could finish with an impressive 26 sacks, a total that would not only break existing records but significantly surpass them. Baker further noted Garrett’s relentless pursuit of the sack record, stating, “He doesn’t just want to tie the record; he is aiming for the stars. He has the mentality of a true competitor.”
The challenges ahead
While Garrett is undeniably a dominant force on the field, the path forward may present challenges. With only a few games remaining in the season, opposing teams are likely to intensify their efforts to counter his influence. “Every offensive coordinator will be focused on stopping number 95,” Baker remarked, emphasizing the heightened attention Garrett will face as he approaches the record.
Garrett’s unique skill set
One key factor contributing to Myles Garrett’s success is his remarkable 0.72-second get-off time, the fastest recorded in the NFL this season, according to Next Gen Stats. This agility enables him to evade double teams, a critical skill given that he encounters such strategies on over 25% of his rushing attempts. Veteran player Baker described Garrett as a “freak” of nature, stating, “He’s faster and stronger than many players I faced during my career.”
While Baker believes Garrett has the potential to achieve greatness this season, he advises caution in labeling him as the ultimate pass rusher at this stage. “It’s too early to determine that. The title of the best pass rusher belongs to Bruce Smith, who accumulated 200 career sacks. However, if Garrett breaks the single-season record, he could very well aim for that benchmark next,” Baker noted.
Myles Garrett remains a focal point as the NFL season advances. His remarkable talent, strong work ethic, and unwavering determination position him as a standout player. As he pursues both personal achievements and historical records, fans and analysts alike will closely monitor his progress.