In a thrilling display of determination and skill, the Cleveland Browns secured a significant 24-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3 of the NFL season. While much of the attention centered on Shedeur Sanders’ impressive performance in his first NFL start, it was defensive end Myles Garrett’s leadership and dominant play on defense that truly stood out as a driving force behind the Browns’ win.
Garrett’s impact on the game was undeniable. He was directly responsible for three of the team’s sacks on Raiders quarterback Geno Smith, showcasing his relentless pass-rushing ability and tactical prowess. This performance not only helped stifle the Raiders’ offense but also pushed Garrett closer to making NFL history. Currently leading the league with 18 sacks this year, Garrett needs just five more to break the single-season sack record of 22.5, a mark famously held by New York Giants legend Michael Strahan and Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt.
The Browns’ defensive success was a collective effort, with eight players recording at least half a sack during the game. Garrett expressed his excitement about this teamwork, emphasizing that the shared defensive pressure is what makes him proud. “That’s the thing I’m most excited about,” Garrett said after the game. “That puts a smile on my face. The franchise record, I kind of expect that of myself. I continue to set the bar higher and higher.”
The Browns still have five games remaining in the regular season, and Garrett has been a consistent threat, registering at least one sack in each of the last five games. This streak began during the Browns’ dominant 31-6 victory over the Miami Dolphins last month, demonstrating Garrett’s persistent excellence and his key role in Cleveland’s defense.
When asked about his pursuit of the single-season sack record, Garrett remained focused yet hopeful. “Chasing Mike, chasing greatness,” he said, referring to Strahan. “If God wills it, I’ll go get it. Hopefully, sooner rather than later. I want it to come in a win. I want to have a chance to play some games in January and February. We gotta win out. Hopefully, things go our way.”
Despite Garrett’s optimism, the Browns face a daunting challenge. Their current record stands at 3-8, meaning they must win all seven remaining games to finish with a winning record and potentially secure a playoff spot. Achieving such a winning streak would be a remarkable turnaround for the team and a testament to their resilience.
The Browns’ upcoming schedule will test their resolve. They return home for a crucial two-game stretch, starting with a matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 13, followed by a game against the Tennessee Titans in Week 14. These home games provide a vital opportunity for the Browns to gain momentum and build confidence heading into the final weeks of the season.
Following this home stand, Cleveland will hit the road in Week 15 to face the Chicago Bears. The team then returns home for consecutive games against the Buffalo Bills and the Pittsburgh Steelers, both formidable opponents. The Browns will close out the season on January 4, 2026, with a home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Each of these matchups will be critical as the Browns strive to complete their winning streak and secure a postseason berth.
The significance of Garrett’s pursuit of the sack record extends beyond personal achievement; it symbolizes the potential resurgence of the Cleveland Browns as a competitive force in the NFL. His leadership on the field not only energizes the defense but also inspires the entire team to elevate their performance.
In addition to Garrett’s defensive dominance, the team’s collective effort on defense, highlighted by contributions from multiple players, underscores the importance of teamwork in their success. This balanced approach, coupled with emerging talents like Shedeur Sanders showing promise on offense, provides a foundation for the Browns to build upon as they aim to finish the season strong.
As the Browns prepare for these challenging games ahead, the focus remains on winning each contest and maintaining the momentum needed to extend their season into the playoffs. For Garrett, breaking the sack record would be a historic milestone, but he emphasizes that team success is the ultimate goal. “It would be great, but we have a lot more pressing things to do,” he stated.
Cleveland fans have much to look forward to as the Browns navigate the remainder of their season. With Myles Garrett leading a tenacious defense and the team rallying behind promising players,