Cleveland Browns superstar Myles Garrett is closing in on history and the sack that could cement his place in the record books may come against the same quarterback tied to one of the darkest moments of his career.
The Steelers could opt to rest several starters against the Browns, depending on the outcome of Saturday’s game between the Baltimore Ravens and Green Bay Packers. A Baltimore loss would clinch the AFC North for Pittsburgh, potentially prompting the team to limit key contributors. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who turned 42 earlier this month, would be among the most notable players who could be held out.
If Rodgers sits, Mason Rudolph would get the start for the Steelers. In 2019, Rudolph was at the center of a late-game altercation with Garrett. After a sack with seconds remaining, the two scuffled on the ground before Garrett ripped Rudolph’s helmet off and struck him with it, igniting a bench-clearing brawl.
Garrett was ejected and later suspended for the remainder of the season, while Rudolph was fined for his role in the incident. The episode has lingered as a dark chapter in the AFC North rivalry.
Garrett dismissed the idea that there’s lingering “history” between him and Rudolph and said the identity of the quarterback is irrelevant.
“I don’t think there’s a lot of history between the two of us, but whether I get it against him or I get it against Aaron, makes no difference to me as long as it gets got,” Garrett said.
Browns DE Myles Garrett Not Feeling Pressure of Record Chase
Garrett enters the matchup with the Steelers with 22 sacks — just a half-sack away from tying the record. The Browns’ potent pass-rusher isn’t feeling any added pressure with just two games remaining.
“Pressure? Nah, no pressure. Like I said, it’s going down,” Garrett said. “So, I’m not stressed or worried about whether I’m going to get it. Just a matter of when.”
Hall of Famer Michael Strahan and Steelers star T.J. Watt share the record. Pittsburgh has ruled out Watt for Sunday’s game against the Browns as he continues to recover from a collapsed lung. As the AFC North’s premier sack artists, Watt and Garrett are often compared, but Garrett said he doesn’t view the matchup as a rivalry.
“I think the only rivalry is between the fan bases debating on who’s better. It’s not like him and I are going back and forth. We have very little communication,” Garrett said. “I wish for the best with him and his recovery, and that’s about all.”
Browns Star Myles Garrett Has Never Sacked Aaron Rodgers
One name still missing from Garrett’s quarterback “graveyard” is Rodgers. If Rodgers plays, it could be Garrett’s final opportunity to add the four-time MVP to the list.
“It’d be special. He’s legendary himself. And it’s a legendary record I’m out here chasing,” Garrett said. “So that’d be a great one to put a picture on the wall with.”
Looking at the bigger picture, Garrett believes the NFL’s all-time sack record is within reach. The mark of 200, set by Bruce Smith, still looms large, but Garrett already has 124.5 career sacks and sees a clear path ahead.
“At the pace I’m on now, I feel like I could get it in about five years,” Garrett said. “I do think about it, and I honestly believe I’m still getting better. I’ll be knocking on his door pretty soon. He’s got that little graveyard he did a couple years back — all those graves — and he had to show me up. But that’s OK. I’m going to catch him.”
If Garrett doesn’t get the record against the Steelers, he’ll have one more shot against the Cincinnati Bengals in the Browns’ regular-season finale.
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