Browns defeat Steelers 13-6, Garrett closes in on sack record with 22

The Cleveland Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 13-6, with Myles Garrett closing in on the NFL's single-season sack record.

Why it matters: This victory not only keeps the Browns' playoff hopes alive but also sets up a dramatic final matchup for Garrett as he chases history.

  • With 22 sacks this season, Garrett is now just one shy of the record held by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt.
  • The loss was particularly painful for the Steelers, who missed an opportunity to clinch the AFC North title, setting up a winner-take-all game against the Ravens in Week 18.

What’s new: Garrett's performance against the Steelers highlighted his impactful presence on the field, even if the statistics didn't reflect a dominating game.

  • In Sunday’s contest, Garrett recorded one tackle, one quarterback hit, and three pressures on quarterback Aaron Rodgers, showcasing his relentless pursuit despite the limited statistical output.
  • Head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged Garrett's influence: "Obviously, he shows up in the stat sheet in a bunch of different areas... it affects how teams play us."

Yes, but: While Garrett's individual achievements are noteworthy, they come at a cost to team dynamics.

  • Dylan Cook, the Steelers' left tackle, noted that while the sack record was in the back of their minds, the primary goal was winning the game. "We just wanted to win the game at the end of the day," he stated.
  • Mike Tomlin, the Steelers' head coach, downplayed Garrett's record chase, emphasizing that the team did not alter its strategy significantly to combat him.

What to watch: As Garrett approaches the season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals, all eyes will be on whether he can break the longstanding sack record.

  • Garrett expressed confidence in achieving this milestone: "Absolutely. Why shouldn't I be? Four more quarters, 60 more minutes. However you want to draw it up, it'll get done."
  • His pursuit adds a layer of excitement to what is already a significant matchup in the final week of the regular season.

The bottom line: The Browns’ win enhances their late-season momentum, while the Steelers face pressure to secure their postseason aspirations next week.

  • As both teams prepare for critical matchups, Garrett’s quest for the sack record will undoubtedly be a focal point in discussions leading up to the Bengals game.
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