As Week 18 approaches, Myles Garrett finds himself tied with Trey Hendrickson at the top of the NFL leaderboard with 14 sacks. The Defensive Player of the Year has consistently recorded at least 14 sacks over the past four seasons, yet he has never finished a season as the league leader in sacks.
With a crucial game against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, Garrett remains focused on securing a victory and potentially derailing his division rival’s bid for the AFC North title, rather than solely pursuing the sack title.
“I’d prefer to upset them and hinder their playoff aspirations,” Garrett remarked on Thursday, according to the team’s official website. “If I can claim the sack title in the process, that’s a bonus. My priority is to disrupt their game plan and limit Lamar Jackson’s impact as much as possible. But at the end of the day, winning is what matters most.”
The Ravens have the opportunity to clinch the division with a win. However, a loss could open the door for the Pittsburgh Steelers to reclaim the AFC North crown if they secure a victory in their game later in the day.
Garrett is on the cusp of matching his career-high of 16 sacks, a feat he previously achieved in both 2021 and 2022. A two-sack performance on Saturday would see him reach that mark once again.
Throughout his career, Garrett has taken down Jackson five and a half times, considering those sacks among the toughest of his 102.5 career total.
“Absolutely, they’re the hardest,” Garrett stated. “There are plenty of skilled quarterbacks who are elusive, but Lamar Jackson stands out. Patrick Mahomes has great balance and maneuverability, but Lamar brings an unmatched combination of speed, quickness, and agility. His running ability is exceptional, and he can also deliver the ball accurately to any spot on the field.”
Garrett highlighted Jackson’s development as a passer from the pocket, noting that it has made him a far more challenging opponent for defensive players.
“Can you completely shut him down? No way,” Garrett admitted. “A few years ago, the strategy was to keep him in the pocket and force him to throw. Earlier this season, that was still the plan. But now? You’re left thinking, ‘We don’t know how to handle him.’ He’s grown significantly year after year. He’s leaner and faster now, and whether he stays in the pocket or breaks out of it, he’s a nightmare to defend.”
In their earlier matchup this season, Cleveland edged out Baltimore in a 29-24 thriller. Jackson threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 46 yards on eight attempts. Although the Browns sacked Jackson three times in that game, none of those sacks were credited to Garrett. Meanwhile, Jameis Winston threw three touchdown passes to help Cleveland secure the victory. Looking ahead to Week 18, Bailey Zappe is expected to start at quarterback for the Browns.
