Myles Garrett Shatters Sacks Record, But Browns Fall to Patriots

Myles Garrett had a standout performance on November 5, 2023, recording five sacks against the New England Patriots. This achievement not only set a new single-game franchise record for the Cleveland Browns but also marked a remarkable milestone in Garrett’s career. Despite this personal triumph, the mood was far from celebratory. The Browns suffered a heavy 32-13 defeat, leaving Garrett visibly frustrated as his team struggles with a 2-6 record heading into their bye week.

The disappointment for Garrett was palpable. After the game, he expressed his frustration in a conversation with CBS Sports, stating, “I would throw the whole performance away for a win.” His commitment to professionalism was evident as he refrained from criticizing his teammates despite the team’s poor performance. Throughout his nine seasons in the NFL, Garrett has played on only two teams with a winning record, enduring a painful 0-16 season during his rookie year.

Garrett’s Frustration and Professionalism

Former NFL star Cris Carter praised Garrett’s demeanor during his recent podcast, highlighting the athlete’s character in the face of adversity. “It takes unusual sports character to be one of the most elite at your job and go do your job at an elite level, and not complain about the subordinates that you’ve got to get on the bus with,” Carter remarked on “Fully Loaded.”

Garrett’s impressive performance this season includes 10 sacks, placing him among the league leaders. However, the frustration he has felt appears to have intensified over time. Earlier this offseason, he requested a trade, but the Browns responded with a lucrative four-year contract worth $160 million. This deal briefly made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, a decision he may now reconsider given the team’s struggles.

Carter specifically called out the performance of Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who completed 21 of 35 passes for only 156 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Carter criticized Gabriel’s play, saying, “We watched a legendary performance by Myles Garrett yesterday, but we had to watch a dirtbag performance by a quarterback because they’re on the same team.”

Gabriel’s challenges were evident, particularly when he was penalized for intentional grounding in the end zone, resulting in a safety. Carter has suggested that the Browns should consider giving Shedeur Sanders an opportunity to play, expressing doubts about Gabriel’s performance. “It’s hard for me to believe that Shedeur Sanders is not better than what we’ve seen from Dillon Gabriel… There must be something going on behind the scenes,” he said.

Looking Ahead for the Browns

The situation in Cleveland raises questions about team dynamics and decision-making. Whether there is a power struggle between the general manager and the coaching staff or a commitment to Gabriel remains unclear. The Browns seem to be trapped in a cycle of underperformance, with fans and analysts alike calling for change.

As the Browns head into their bye week, it is evident that major adjustments may be necessary to reinvigorate the team. With Garrett’s exceptional talent being overshadowed by the team’s shortcomings, the urgency for a turnaround is palpable. The organization must address its quarterback situation and find a way to support a player of Garrett’s caliber if they hope to rise from the bottom of the NFL standings.