Myles Garrett, defensive end for the Cleveland Browns, has officially broken the NFL single-season sack record, achieving his 23rd sack during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The record-setting play occurred in the fourth quarter, as Garrett sacked quarterback Joe Burrow for a 6-yard loss. This remarkable achievement surpasses the previous record of 22.5 sacks held by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt since the NFL began officially tracking sacks in 1982.
Garrett’s historic season highlights his dominance on the field, with Burrow being his most sacked opponent, having taken down the Bengals’ quarterback twelve times in ten encounters. As he reflects on his season, Garrett shared a desire to have reached 25 sacks, emphasizing his relentless pursuit of excellence.
Panthers and Broncos Celebrate Division Titles
In other significant NFL news, the Carolina Panthers have clinched the NFC South title for the first time in a decade. Finishing the season with a record of 8-9, the Panthers secured their playoff spot thanks to the Atlanta Falcons’ victory over the New Orleans Saints, which eliminated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from contention. Under the guidance of second-year head coach Dave Canales and third-year quarterback Bryce Young, the Panthers are set to host either the Los Angeles Rams or the San Francisco 49ers in their first playoff appearance since 2017.
Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos secured the AFC’s top playoff seed with a commanding 19-3 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Ja’Quan McMillian’s impressive 45-yard interception return for a touchdown was key to the win. With this victory, the Broncos tied their franchise record for wins in a season, reaching a total of 14. Quarterback Bo Nix, despite facing challenges during the game, matched Russell Wilson’s record of 24 wins in his first two NFL seasons.
Raiders Earn No. 1 Draft Pick; Jaguars Dominate
The Las Vegas Raiders have secured the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft after the New York Giants’ win over the Dallas Cowboys. The Giants emerged victorious with a 34-17 score, ensuring that the Raiders would finish the season with the worst record at 2-14. This marks just the second time the Raiders have held the top draft pick, with their previous selection in 2007 resulting in the infamous choice of quarterback JaMarcus Russell.
In the AFC South, the Jacksonville Jaguars clinched their division title with an overwhelming 41-7 victory against the Tennessee Titans. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence threw three touchdown passes, setting a new franchise record for total scores in a season. The Jaguars’ decisive win not only secured their playoff spot but also marked the most lopsided outcome in the history of this rivalry.
As the NFL season progresses, teams are gearing up for the playoffs, with some celebrating their achievements while others are left to regroup and plan for the future. The final weeks of the regular season have delivered thrilling moments and historic milestones, setting the stage for an exciting postseason.
