Myles Garrett passes Clay Matthews for official Cleveland Browns sack lead
CLEVELAND − Myles Garrett passed Clay Matthews on the Browns' official sack list during Sunday afternoon's 38-15 loss to the New England Patriots.
Garrett's first-quarter strip sack of Patriots rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe gave him 62.5 for his career, a half-sack past the former mark held by Matthews. Matthews had 62 from 1982-93.
Garrett came off the right edge of the Patriots offensive line and knocked the ball out of Zappe's hand. The ball went forward six yards and was recovered by safety John Johnson III at the Patriots 38 with 0:47 left in the first quarter.
"It comes in a loss," Garrett said afterwards. "It’s nice to be recognized and honored. But at the end of the day, winners are remembered. And we're not winning. And so I can have all the individual records I want. That'll come and go. But winners, they remain in the hearts of people forever, especially in this town. So we’ve got to turn this around."
Garrett would add another sack in the fourth quarter, raising his total to 63.5 for his career and five for the season. However, he reaggravated the left shoulder sprain he suffered in his Sept. 26 car accident on the play and didn't return to the game, although that was more based upon game situation than injury.
Sacks did not become an official stat until 1982. The unofficial sack leader is Bill Glass with 77.5 from 1962-68, and Matthews' unofficial total rises to 75 if his first four seasons from 1978-81 are included.
Garrett set the Browns' single-season sack mark with 16 last season. He came into the season with 58.5 sacks for his career, and added two during the opener against the Carolina Panthers, plus one against the New York Jets in Week 2.
Garrett missed the Week 4 game at Atlanta while recovering from injuries sustained in a one-car accident on Sept. 26.
The Browns All-Pro was held without a sack in a Week 3 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers and last Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Contact Chris at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com.
On Twitter: @ceasterlingABJ
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Myles Garrett passes Clay Matthews on Browns official sack list
