Myles Garrett Shrugs Off Sack Document Miss as Browns Stun Steelers

The Cleveland Browns could also be out of the playoff image, however they confirmed Sunday that they nonetheless have the facility to affect the AFC North, and Myles Garrett was on the coronary heart of it.

While Garrett got here up simply wanting breaking the NFL’s single-season sack document, his presence loomed giant in Cleveland’s gritty 13–6 upset of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pittsburgh’s Game Plan Centered on Myles Garrett

According to ESPN, Garrett entered the matchup one sack shy of tying the NFL document shared by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt. Although he did not attain the milestone, Garrett made it clear afterward that Pittsburgh’s obsession with stopping him could have labored towards them.

According to Garrett, the Steelers had been extra centered on retaining him away from the quarterback than executing their total offensive plan. That heavy consideration disrupted their rhythm and opened alternatives for the Browns elsewhere. Garrett completed with modest numbers on the stat sheet, however they hardly mirrored his affect on the sport.

Pressure That Doesn’t Always Show Up within the Box Score

Even with out recording a sack, Garrett constantly collapsed the pocket and compelled fast choices. He generated a number of pressures and made it troublesome for Pittsburgh to develop performs downfield. The quarterback was usually compelled to do away with the ball rapidly, limiting explosive alternatives and retaining the offense caught in short-yardage conditions.

With key receivers unavailable, Pittsburgh struggled to stretch the sphere, finishing only a few throws past brief distances. Cleveland’s go rush, led by Garrett, successfully dictated the tempo and compelled a conservative strategy that resulted in simply six factors.

Steelers Admit Garrett Changed the Equation

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin insisted after the sport that the crew caught to its customary protections and denied any particular remedy associated to Garrett’s document chase. Still, gamers acknowledged that the document was on their minds. Left sort out Dylan Cook admitted it lingered within the background, requiring frequent chips and double-teams all through the sport.

That further consideration got here at a price. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski identified that committing extra blockers diminished the variety of receivers in routes, quietly tilting the matchup in Cleveland’s favor.

Garrett mentioned in a post-game press convention that the Steelers are extra determined to cease him than to get the W.

“I mean, to an extent. I feel like they were more worried about keeping me away from Aaron [Rodgers] than getting the win, and I think that’s what came back to bite him. So, they’ll have to fight it out with Baltimore next week. But I’m just proud of the guys for fighting and getting this one. That’s the main thing. And I’m always going to keep it that.”

Steelers to Get Ready vs Ravens

The loss prevented Pittsburgh from clinching the AFC North and arrange a Week 18 showdown with the Baltimore Ravens. For Cleveland, the win served as a reminder that even exterior the playoff race, they continue to be able to influencing the postseason image.

Garrett could have one remaining alternative to chase historical past when the Browns face the Cincinnati Bengals within the regular-season finale.

Garrett Still Believes History Is Within Reach

Despite falling brief towards Pittsburgh, Garrett stays assured he can set a brand new sack document. With one sport left, he sees no cause to doubt himself.

The milestone issues, however Sunday’s end result mattered extra. And even and not using a record-breaking second, Garrett as soon as once more proved that his affect goes far past the numbers.