Myles Garrett has 22 sacks this season. The all-time single-season record is 22.5, shared by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt.
Today, he plays the Steelers. And the quarterback? Aaron Rodgers.
You can't script this stuff.
The Setup Is Perfect
Garrett hasn't sacked Rodgers in two career meetings. Not once. The future Hall of Famer has eluded Cleveland's best pass rusher every time they've shared the field, including a Week 6 loss in Pittsburgh earlier this season.
But Garrett has absolutely terrorized the Steelers at Huntington Bank Field. In his last two home games against Pittsburgh, he's recorded five sacks. Five. The Browns won both of those games.
Something has to give.
When asked about potentially breaking the record against Rodgers, Garrett didn't hold back.
"He's legendary himself, and it's a legendary record I'm here chasing. That'd be a great one to put a picture on the wall with."
That's not trash talk. That's respect mixed with determination. Garrett knows what this moment means.
The Record Chase
Michael Strahan set the mark in 2001 with the Giants. T.J. Watt tied it in 2021 with—ironically—the Steelers. Since sacks became an official statistic in 1982, no one has reached 23.
Garrett has been on a tear all season. He's recorded at least one sack in eight of his last nine games, including three games with three or more sacks and a five-sack performance against New England in October. His 22 sacks give him a commanding seven-sack lead over second-place Brian Burns.
This isn't just a record chase. It's a coronation. Garrett is having the best defensive season anyone has seen in years.
The Steelers Know He's Coming
Mike Tomlin was asked about facing Garrett this week. His response was telling.
"Myles Garrett has certainly been an issue for us in that venue. I think he's had five sacks against us in our last two trips, neither of which we won. And so we understand the gravity of what we're going into and how they engineer victory and who's significant in doing so. He's at the doorstep of history, and so we certainly have respect for that."
That's not coach-speak. That's genuine concern. Tomlin knows his offensive line is going to have its hands full.
What About Rodgers?
At 42 years old, Aaron Rodgers isn't the same quarterback who could extend plays and escape pressure with his legs. He's more of a pocket passer now—brilliant at reading defenses, deadly accurate when given time, but vulnerable when the rush gets home.
The Steelers' offensive line has been inconsistent this season. If they can't give Rodgers time, Garrett will eat him alive.
Of course, there's also the possibility that Pittsburgh rests its starters. The Ravens lost Saturday night, so the Steelers can clinch the AFC North with a win. If they jump out to a big lead or if the outcome becomes clear, Tomlin might pull Rodgers to keep him healthy for the playoffs.
That would deny Garrett his moment against a legend. But it would also preserve his chance to break the record in Week 18 against Joe Burrow and the Bengals.
A Silver Lining in Cleveland's Disaster
The Browns are 3-12. Their season has been a disaster. The quarterback situation is a mess. The front office has hard decisions to make this offseason.
But Garrett? He's been magnificent. He's given Cleveland fans something to cheer for when everything else has gone wrong.
Breaking the single-season sack record won't save the Browns' season. It won't make the losses hurt less. But it would cement Garrett's legacy as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history.
And for a franchise that has suffered through decades of heartbreak, that would mean something.
Today Is The Day
Browns vs. Steelers. 1:00 PM Eastern. CBS.
The best pass rusher in football. A legendary quarterback. A record that has stood for over two decades.
Sometimes football gives us moments that transcend the standings. This is one of them.
Watch closely. History might happen.