Myles Garrett and the Steelers‘ Strategy: Did Obsession with a Sack Record Cost Pittsburgh?
The Cleveland Browns’ Myles Garrett is having a historic season. But his dominance isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about the strategic impact he has on opposing offenses. Following a crucial Week 17 victory over the pittsburgh Steelers, garrett suggested their game plan revealed a surprising priority: containing him, rather than securing a win.
Was this a miscalculation that could cost the Steelers a playoff berth? Let’s break down the situation.
A Record within Reach
Garrett currently boasts 22 sacks on the season, a phenomenal achievement across 17 games. He’s just half a sack shy of tying the NFL single-season record of 22.5, currently held jointly by Michael Strahan (2001, Giants) and T.J. Watt (2021, Steelers).
This pursuit of history clearly influenced the Steelers’ approach. Garrett himself believes Pittsburgh prioritized preventing him from breaking the record over a balanced strategy aimed at winning the game.
Steelers’ Focused containment
Despite consistently pressuring Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph, Garrett was held sackless in the December 29th matchup. Rudolph faced pressure throughout the game, ultimately being sacked by teammates Grant Delpit and Alex Wright. Yet, Garrett finished with only one tackle.
“To an extent, I feel like they were more worried about keeping me from Aaron [Strahan/Watt] than getting the win,” Garrett told reporters. He added that the Steelers seemed to fall into a similar trap as the Packers earlier in the season – dedicating excessive resources to neutralizing him, perhaps at the expense of overall defensive effectiveness.
The Ripple Effect: A playoff Implications
The Steelers’ loss to the Browns, coupled with their hyper-focus on Garrett, now puts their playoff hopes on the line. They’ll face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18 with the AFC North title – and a postseason spot – hanging in the balance.
Garrett acknowledged the Steelers’ efforts, stating they “were doing a little bit of everything.” He also admitted to anticipating such a strategy, knowing they likely didn’t want him to break the record against them.
What Does This Mean for Pass Rushers?
Garrett’s situation highlights a growing trend in NFL defenses. Elite pass rushers like himself demand significant attention. Opposing offenses must dedicate extra blockers, implement specific schemes, and frequently enough accept unfavorable matchups elsewhere to contain their impact.
This creates a fascinating dynamic. Do teams risk sacrificing overall defensive balance to shut down one player? Or do they gamble on Garrett beating double-teams and potentially disrupting the entire game? The Steelers’ decision suggests they leaned heavily toward the former, with potentially costly consequences.
Evergreen Insights: The Evolution of Pass Rushing Strategy
The NFL has always been a chess match, and the strategies surrounding pass rushing are constantly evolving. Here’s a look at how things have changed:
* Early NFL: Primarily focused on individual matchups and brute force.
* 1980s-90s: Rise of zone blitzes and more complex schemes to confuse quarterbacks.
* 2000s-Present: Emphasis on speed, athleticism, and dedicated pass-rush packages. The emergence of truly dominant edge rushers like Garrett has forced offenses to adapt dramatically.
* Future Trends: Expect to see even more elegant techniques, including pre-snap motion and disguised pressures, designed to exploit weaknesses and neutralize elite pass rushers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Myles Garrett and the NFL Sack record
1. How many sacks does Myles Garrett need to tie the NFL record?
Myles Garrett needs just 0.5 sacks to tie the NFL single-season record of 22.5 sacks.
2. Who currently holds the NFL single-season sack record?
The NFL single-season sack record is currently held jointly by Michael Strahan (2001) and T.J. Watt (2021), both with 22.5 sacks.
3. Did the Steelers successfully contain Myles Garrett in their game against the Browns?
While the Steelers prevented Garrett from recording a sack, he still generated consistent pressure and impacted the game through other means. He believes their focus on him ultimately hindered their overall defensive performance.
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