Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett’s record-breaking sack couldn’t have come at a better time on Sunday.
With less than a minute left in the first half and the Browns leading the Baltimore Ravens, 17-3, Garrett strip-sacked backup quarterback Tyler Huntley before recovering the fumble and running 15 yards to score a touchdown.
“I knew I was going to make a play,” Garrett told media members after the game. “I was looking at (Jadeveon Clowney) bobbling it. I was like, ‘Hell.’ Man, I’m getting ready to block and then the ball is on the ground. (If) nobody’s going for it, I’ll take it.”
The touchdown was the first of Garrett’s NFL career.
Garrett’s 15th sack of the season broke the Browns’ single-season record previously held by defensive end Reggie Camp, who had 14 sacks in the 1984 season.
Plus, the Browns still have four games left in the 2021 season.
Myles Garrett strips, scoops and scores! #Browns @Flash_Garrett
📺: #BALvsCLE on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/yR3s2NLwqu— NFL (@NFL) December 12, 2021
.@Flash_Garrett is a ridiculous football player. 😳
📺: #BALvsCLE on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/TxiVmnuQ5Y— NFL (@NFL) December 12, 2021
Garrett’s touchdown also marked the first time a Browns player has returned a fumble for a touchdown since Craig Robertson on Dec. 7, 2014.
The Browns beat the Ravens 24-22 on Sunday.
Garrett’s touchdown proved to be the difference.
Cleveland did not score in the second half of Sunday’s game despite leading 24-6 at halftime.
Garrett explained what went through his mind when Ravens safety Chuck Clark recovered an onside kick with 1:17 left in the fourth quarter and the Browns leading by two points.
“I kind of just looked at (Clowney) and smiled because, no offense to the offense, but I want it in my hands,” Garrett said. “I want to be able to make the play, and so I looked at him and said, ‘We gotta do it.’”
Clowney sacked Huntley on second down to push the Ravens back 10 yards to their 31-yard line.
Huntley completed a 14-yard pass to tight end Mark Andrews on third down to make set up a 4th-and 6 situation.
On fourth down, Browns cornerback Denzel Ward tackled Ravens rookie wide receiver Rashod Bateman after a two-yard gain to prevent Baltimore from getting the first down.
The Browns then kneeled twice to end the game.
Garrett, 25, has recorded 57.5 career sacks in 64 games.
The only NFL player to record more in their first 64 games is Hall of Famer Reggie White (72.5).
Cleveland did not score in the second half of Sunday’s game despite leading 24-6 at halftime.
Garrett, 25, has recorded 57.5 career sacks in 64 games.
The only NFL player to record more in their first 64 games is Hall of Famer Reggie White (72.5).
Myles Garrett has recorded 57.5 career sacks in 64 games. The only NFL player to record more in their first 64 games is Hall of Famer Reggie White (72.5).
— Dan Murphy (@DMurph_BrownsPR) December 12, 2021
Garrett is among the NFL’s best edge rushers.
Ahead of Week 14, ESPN sports analytics writer Seth Walder devised a chart that shows Garrett has a higher pass-rush win rate and a higher double-team rate than Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt.
Here’s a look at how Garrett and Watt compare this season:
Games Played
- Garrett: 13
- Watt: 11
Tackles (solo and assisted combined)
- Garrett: 45
- Watt: 48
Sacks
- Garrett: 15
- Watt: 16
Tackles for loss
- Garrett: 15
- Watt: 16
Forced fumbles
- Garrett: 1
- Watt: 4
Fumble recoveries
- Garrett: 1
- Watt: 2
Watt’s 16 sacks currently leads the NFL.
Got a bunch of requests to update the edge rusher double team rate X PRWR chart, which warms my heart. Especially by Browns and Steelers fans debating Myles Garrett vs. T.J. Watt.
Happy to oblige! pic.twitter.com/NnTA0Sf76F
— Seth Walder (@SethWalder) December 9, 2021
Earlier this season, Garrett set the Browns’ record for most sacks in a single game (4.5) in the Week 3 win against the Bears.
Garrett is five sacks away from breaking Clay Matthews’ all-time Browns record of 62.
NEXT: 3 Things We Learned In Browns' Win Over The Ravens
