Steelers’ Strategy to Halt Myles Garrett Fuels Browns’ Frustration and Playoff Implications
The Cleveland Browns’ pursuit of an AFC North title hit a snag Sunday, but the loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers wasn’t simply about a scoreboard result. Browns superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett believes the Steelers prioritized containing him over securing the win, a tactic that ultimately backfired for Pittsburgh but left Cleveland short of clinching a playoff berth.
Following the 13-6 victory, Garrett expressed his belief that the Steelers’ game plan revolved around neutralizing his pursuit of the NFL single-season sack record. “To an extent, I feel like they were more worried about keeping me from getting to the quarterback than getting the win,” Garrett told reporters. “And I think that’s what came back to bite them. So they’ll have to fight it out with Baltimore next week.”
Garrett, who has been on a historic pace this season, currently boasts 22 sacks across 17 games. He is just half a sack shy of tying the record of 22.5 sacks held by Michael Strahan (2001) and T.J. Watt (2021). Despite the Steelers’ focused attention, Pittsburgh quarterback Mason Rudolph faced consistent pressure, being sacked by both Grant Delpit and Alex Wright. However, Garrett himself was held without a sack, finishing the game with only one tackle.
The Evolution of Pass-Rush Containment in the NFL
The Steelers’ strategy highlights a growing trend in the NFL: dedicating significant resources to neutralizing a single, dominant player. This approach, reminiscent of how teams previously handled players like Aaron Donald, involves double-teams, chip blocks, and pre-snap shifts designed to disrupt the pass rusher’s path. While effective in limiting individual statistics, it often leaves other areas of the defense vulnerable. Is sacrificing overall defensive balance worth containing one player, even a generational talent like Myles Garrett?
Garrett acknowledged the familiarity of this tactic, noting that the Green Bay Packers employed a similar strategy earlier in the season. “They kinda fell into the same line of thinking that the Packers did — we’ll just throw everything at him and see if we can muster the effort to win without it,” he explained. “Of course, they’re gonna throw everything quicker when I’m lined up. They were doing a little bit of everything. I kinda come to expect that. I know they didn’t want me to be the one to break it against them.”
The Steelers’ loss means they now face a crucial Week 18 showdown against the Baltimore Ravens, with the AFC North title and a playoff berth on the line. The Ravens, currently holding an 8-8 record, will be looking to capitalize on their division rival’s stumble. The outcome of this game will not only determine the AFC North champion but could also significantly impact the playoff landscape.
Did You Know? Michael Strahan’s single-season sack record of 22.5 stood for nearly two decades before being matched by T.J. Watt in 2021.
The Browns, despite the setback, still have a chance to make the playoffs. They will face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18, a game where Garrett will undoubtedly be motivated to not only contribute to a win but also potentially etch his name in NFL history. But can he overcome the focused attention he’s receiving and finally break the elusive sack record?
Frequently Asked Questions About Myles Garrett and the AFC North Race
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What is Myles Garrett’s current sack total for the 2023-2024 NFL season?
Myles Garrett currently has 22 sacks through 17 games of the 2023-2024 NFL season.
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Who holds the NFL record for most sacks in a single season?
Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt share the NFL record for most sacks in a single season, with 22.5 sacks each.
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What is the significance of the Steelers vs. Ravens game in Week 18?
The Steelers vs. Ravens game in Week 18 will determine the AFC North champion and a playoff berth.
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Did the Steelers successfully contain Myles Garrett in their recent game against the Browns?
While the Steelers limited Garrett to no sacks and only one tackle, he still generated pressure and contributed to other defensive successes.
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How did Myles Garrett react to the Steelers’ defensive strategy against him?
Myles Garrett believes the Steelers were more focused on preventing him from breaking the sack record than on winning the game, and felt this ultimately contributed to their loss.
The AFC North remains a fiercely competitive division, and the outcome of Week 18 will have significant implications for the playoff picture. Garrett’s pursuit of history adds another layer of intrigue to an already compelling narrative.
Share your thoughts! Do you think the Steelers made the right call focusing so heavily on containing Myles Garrett? What impact will this loss have on their playoff chances?
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