Myles Garrett Claims Steelers Prioritized Sack Record Over Victory in Browns Upset

In a dramatic Week 17 matchup with significant playoff implications, the Cleveland Browns secured a 13-6 upset victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. While the game's outcome impacted the AFC North standings, the post-game narrative centered on a personal pursuit that, according to Browns star Myles Garrett, influenced Pittsburgh's game plan more than the final score.

Garrett, who entered the game one sack shy of breaking the NFL's single-season record of 22.5 shared by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt, finished with just one tackle and a quarterback hit. Despite the modest statistical output, Garrett asserted that the Steelers' defensive focus was disproportionately aimed at preventing him from making history, a strategy he believes contributed to their loss.

Garrett's Accusation and Game Impact

Following the game, Garrett made a pointed observation about Pittsburgh's priorities. "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," Garrett stated. This sentiment suggests that in the Steelers' effort to neutralize one defensive threat, they may have compromised their overall offensive strategy and effectiveness.

The statistical evidence from the game supports the idea that Pittsburgh's offense was constrained. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, playing without key receivers, averaged just 3.5 air yards per completion and completed only 4 of 15 passes thrown more than 5 yards downfield. His average time to throw of 2.39 seconds was his fourth shortest of the season, indicating a quick-release game plan likely designed to minimize exposure to Garrett's pass rush.

Steelers' Defensive Strategy and Response

Pittsburgh employed a consistent strategy of using chips from tight ends and running backs, along with frequent double-teams, to contain Garrett. Left tackle Dylan Cook, who faced Garrett for much of the contest, acknowledged that the record was "back of our minds -- yeah, for sure," while emphasizing that winning remained the primary objective.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin pushed back against the notion that his team altered its approach due to the record chase. "We didn't do anything against Myles that we don't normally do against Myles," Tomlin asserted. "The sack records are irrelevant. We got to minimize him if we want to engineer victory." Tomlin noted that Garrett was similarly contained without sacks in their previous meeting, suggesting a consistent defensive philosophy rather than a record-specific adjustment.

The Ripple Effect on Team Performance

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski highlighted the intangible impact Garrett has on opposing offenses, even when he doesn't register sacks. "They have to play an empty [backfield] the entire game and chip both sides," Stefanski observed. "Those are two eligibles that aren't getting out on the route immediately. So, it affects how teams play us." This strategic concession—dedicating players to pass protection who would otherwise be running routes—fundamentally alters an offense's capabilities and creates opportunities for other defensive players.

The Browns' victory, fueled by this defensive disruption, eliminated Pittsburgh's chance to clinch the AFC North title. Instead, the Steelers must now face the Baltimore Ravens in a Week 18 winner-take-all showdown for the division crown, while Cleveland prepares for its season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Looking Ahead: The Final Record Pursuit

With one game remaining in the regular season, Garrett maintains unwavering confidence in his ability to break the sack record. When asked about his prospects against Cincinnati, he responded definitively: "Absolutely. Why shouldn't I be? ... Four more quarters, 60 more minutes. However you want to draw it up, it'll get done."

This final opportunity adds another layer of intrigue to what has become a compelling subplot to the NFL season. Whether opposing teams will continue to employ extreme measures to contain him, and whether those measures will prove more costly than beneficial, remains to be seen as Garrett makes his final push for a place in the record books.