Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is making headlines this NFL season as he approaches a historic milestone. With a remarkable total of 19 sacks through 12 games, Garrett is just four sacks shy of breaking the single-season record of 22.5, jointly held by Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Strahan and current Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt. Garrett’s performance is particularly impressive given the Browns’ struggles on offense this season, which has already seen the franchise secure its seventh losing season since his draft in 2017.
The 2023 NFL season has also been a standout for the Denver Broncos, who have accumulated 51 sacks in their first 12 games. This puts them on track to potentially tie the single-season team record of 72 sacks, set by the Chicago Bears in 1984. With five games remaining, both Garrett and the Broncos are on the verge of making their mark in NFL history.
As Garrett prepares for the upcoming game against the Tennessee Titans on December 10, 2023, he remains focused on his performance rather than the record itself. “I don’t even think about it as a want — I just think about something that I’m going to knock down,” he stated. This mindset has contributed to his current pace, with projections suggesting he could reach as many as 27 sacks this season.
In addition to Garrett’s achievements, the Broncos have shown a collective effort in their defensive strategy, with five players having recorded four or more sacks this season. Leading the charge is edge rusher Nik Bonitto, who has 10.5 sacks, followed by Jonathon Cooper with 7.5 and defensive tackle Zach Allen with 6.
### Garrett’s Record-Breaking Quest
Garrett’s 19 sacks not only lead the NFL but also surpass the total sacks of three entire teams this season: the Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, and San Francisco 49ers. His recent surge includes 15 sacks over the past six games, a record for the most in a five-game stretch since the NFL began officially tracking sacks in 1982.
The defensive end has consistently maintained high performance levels, recording at least one sack in six consecutive games, including a standout performance against the San Francisco 49ers where he added to his tally. As he continues to press forward, Garrett’s determination to break the record remains intact, with his next challenge being the Titans and their rookie quarterback Cam Ward, who has faced the most sacks in the league this season.
Garrett’s journey has not been without challenges. In February, he requested a trade, seeking a position with a contending team. By March, he signed a record-setting contract extension with the Browns averaging $40 million per year, reaffirming his commitment to the franchise. As he nears his 30th birthday on December 29, 2023, the pressure to achieve greatness only heightens.
### Broncos’ Defensive Dominance
The Denver Broncos’ pursuit of their own record has been a team effort, demonstrating a strong defensive front throughout the season. Their current total of 51 sacks keeps them ahead of the league in this category. The team has shown remarkable resilience, with defensive players stepping up to contribute to their overall success.
In their recent overtime victory against the Washington Commanders, the Broncos secured two sacks, maintaining their record pace despite the challenges posed by opposing offenses. Zach Allen, currently leading the league in quarterback hits, has been instrumental in the Broncos’ aggressive defensive strategy.
As the Broncos prepare to face the Las Vegas Raiders in their Week 14 matchup, their focus will be on maintaining momentum and pushing towards the historic sack record. The synergy among defensive players has not gone unnoticed, as they continue to challenge opposing quarterbacks week after week.
Both Myles Garrett and the Denver Broncos are poised for a thrilling conclusion to the 2023 NFL season. With records within reach and the playoffs on the horizon, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching as these two forces strive for greatness on the field.
