Myles Garrett breaks sack record. The sack is an overrated statistic

[edjr 7,090]

sure a 3rd down sack is great.

How many of his 23 were on 3rd down?

Time and time again. I see 1st/2nd down sacks, team still gets a 1st down.

I’m not saying pressure on the QB is useless, that is how the Giants beat the Patriots (twice).

The sack as a stat is overrated.

[MikeMatt 521]

Making Mark Gastineau even less important - he can go away now and his “you hurt me Brett” crap. 

[avoiding injuries 1,676]

Michael Strahan begs to differ:

https://x.com/nfl_dovkleiman/status/2007942414141628674?s=46

[nobody 2,956]

I need facts and data.  

Anyone have statistics on how many drives stall out after a sack vs not taking a sack?

[weepaws 3,470]

NFL needs sacks, it’s called defense, people today have never heard of teams playing defense.  Shame 

[Maximum Overkill 2,686]

A sack is 100% overrated. 

I would argue that the timing of a sack is most important, not how many you have.

He could of had 50 sacks and it still wouldn't of mattered, the Browns sucked regardless. It's like hitting a home run with nobody on base, it's just an RBI. 

[edjr 7,090]

9 hours ago, nobody said:

I need facts and data.  

Anyone have statistics on how many drives stall out after a sack vs not taking a sack?

I looked into it in the past. I have brought this up before. Could not find, 

[listen2me 23 1,976]

Individual totals may be a little overrated.  But I dont see how a sack is overrated.  Its basically a penalty and a loss of down worth of stuff. 

Eagles steamrolled the Chiefs.anf made them look normal because of their front pressure and had 6 sacks in a suffocating win.  

[MDC 8,184]

I read an article about the impact of sacks a few years ago. Having trouble digging it up, but the premise was that a single sack = a drive is 20% more likely to end in a punt or turnover on downs. Considering teams only get around 10 offensive drives per game, that’s big. 

[edjr 7,090]

4 minutes ago, listen2me 23 said:

Individual totals may be a little overrated.  But I dont see how a sack is overrated.  Its basically a penalty and a loss of down worth of stuff. 

Eagles steamrolled the Chiefs.anf made them look normal because of their front pressure and had 6 sacks in a suffocating win.  

Because of the PRESSURE. Not necessarily the sack. 

Super Bowl XLVI Patriots vs Giants  Brady sacked twice - Eli Sacked three times

Super Bowl XLII Patriots vs Giants Brady sacked 5 times and Eli sacked 3 times

2 examples. 

[Maximum Overkill 2,686]

6 minutes ago, MDC said:

I read an article about the impact of sacks a few years ago. Having trouble digging it up, but the premise was that a single sack = a drive is 20% more likely to end in a punt or turnover on downs. Considering teams only get around 10 offensive drives per game, that’s big. 

I don't doubt that stat but it's totally subjective right? A bad defense can't get off the field. In that case it's not as important for the Browns 

[edjr 7,090]

Are pressures the new sacks?  

by Barry Shuck

Nov 6, 2025, 2:00 PM EST

https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/arizona-cardinals-news/84377/are-pressures-the-new-sacks

 

Total tackles, interceptions, and sacks are the hallmarks of any defense. There are other parameters, such as total yards allowed either in the run game or through the air, the number of batted passes, and tackles for loss. But the aforementioned stats are considered the Big-3.

Or, are they?

Pressures are used to evaluate how effective a defense is on passing downs. But this stat differs in scope and what it actually measures.

Registering sacks, this has always been a definitive moment in any game, similar to a hard dunk in a basketball contest. The game suddenly comes crashing down as the home crowd goes berserk, or the visiting stadium goes eerily quiet. A sack changes the offense’s current drive and not only takes away a useful down, but adds yardage to the grand total needed to gain another set of downs.

Sometimes, a sack will result in an injury to either the opposing team’s quarterback or to the blocker who attempted to stretch a hamstring or groin muscle trying to reach farther than his body is designed to achieve. And in today’s game, armed with various penalties designed to protect signalcallers, the play can go against the defense.

Oct 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) is sacked by Arizona Cardinals outside linebackers Josh Sweat (10), Baron Browning (5) and defensive end Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during the second quarterat State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Oct 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) is sacked by Arizona Cardinals outside linebackers Josh Sweat (10), Baron Browning (5) and defensive end Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during the second quarterat State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Sacks are exact. Sacks are easy to interpret. Sacks are straightforward to decide upon in the stat column for those keeping up with the game’s data. They are a specific form of pressure, and either the quarterback is knocked down on the ground or he’s not.

Other pass rushing stats, such as QB hits, knockdowns, and hurries, have their own agenda.

A hurry is when a quarterback is forced to throw the ball before he is ready. A knockdown describes when the ball has left the quarterback’s hand, and yet he is hit and falls to the turf. A QB hit is when a defender makes contact with the quarterback, but does not bring him but usually disrupts the QB’s actions.

Pressures are defined as all of the above.

A defensive player can achieve any of the above stats and also receive a “pressure” in his game numbers. Essentially, a single “pressure” is a defensive act that will interrupt the quarterback’s ability to make a clean throw.

Is a sack also a pressure? You bet.

Now, in a game, the word “pressure” can also have another meaning. Defenders constantly “apply pressure” to their opponent’s offense, especially during a passing down. But this definition of pressure is not the same as the statistic of “pressure.”

For those of you who are learning the English language, yes, the King’s English is full of quadruple meanings. Just try to keep up. You can read a book and then have read it with a cover that is red, and now you are well-read.

Pressures are a broader category encircling any instance where a defender employs significant pressure on the quarterback before the pass is thrown.

The question is, has “pressures” surpassed “sacks” as the definitive defensive indicator?

Every NFL defense has its particular method to apply pressure on its opponent’s offense. This is done with a normal amount of pass rushers, sending extra players via a blitz, or by implementing stunts.

The NFL is a passing league. While it is true teams have to be able to run, the facts are that offenses are geared more towards the passing element than trying to cram the ball down anybody’s throat play after play. How many clubs today actually claim a ground-and-pound attack?

Consistent pressure is key to disrupting offenses. Creating “pressure” is a more constant and replicable facet of playing defense.

While the stat of “sacks” indicates how many times a defense has actually gotten to the quarterback, the stat of “pressures” is more revealing of a team’s pass-rushing ability overall.

“Pressures correlate more with good defense than sacks do.”

They just might mean that a defense doesn’t necessarily need to sack a quarterback often in order to achieve a successful pass rush, as long as defenders are getting close to sacking him continually.

here are teams like the Kansas City Chiefs that live and die with blitz packages. Other defensive coordinators live on the opposite side of this spectrum. They believe that a defense can generate pressure without sending extra guys if you have the right athletes in their system.

In the Super Bowl this past February, the Philadelphia Eagles presented a standard pass rush without sending extra players, and it was a defining aspect of their lopsided win.

But what do the numbers say from last season?

NFL Pressure Rate Leaders: Four or Fewer Pass Rushers
Denver Broncos 39.3%
Cleveland Browns 38.2%
Seattle Seahawks 36.6%
Philadelphia Eagles 35.5%
Detroit Lions 35.2%
NFL Pressure Rate Leaders: Stunts
Los Angeles Rams 51.4%
Cleveland Browns 48.6%
Minnesota Vikings 48.6%
Chicago Bears 48.6%
Green Bay Packers 46.7%
NFL Pressure Rate Leaders: Blitzes
Green Bay Packers 48.3%
New York Jets 48.2%
Kansas City Chiefs 45.2%
Cleveland Browns 44.8%
Indianapolis Colts 44.7%
As you can see, sometimes a single presence of one dominant player, like Cleveland’s Myles Garrett, can change these metrics and highlight just how effective the defense is at confusing offensive linemen and obliging quarterbacks to speed up their decision-making process.

Sacks are certainly important perimeters for every defense. But have pressures become the new determinant of success? This tendency is set to continue.

[listen2me 23 1,976]

8 minutes ago, edjr said:

Because of the PRESSURE. Not necessarily the sack. 

Super Bowl XLVI Patriots vs Giants  Brady sacked twice - Eli Sacked three times

Super Bowl XLII Patriots vs Giants Brady sacked 5 times and Eli sacked 3 times

2 examples. 

Oh I agree pressures matter a ton and get overlooked.  Pressures are a better gauge of pass rush effectiveness.   But there are some guys who seem to be able to close the deal better than others.  A guy like Rashan Gary who was decent (not anymore maybe a cut) but was known for limited production at Michigan even though he is a specimen and would create good pressure.  Well same thing in NFL, early on he was highly rated in pressure % but would end up with modest sack totals.  

Quick pressure rate also matters, as its less to do with coverage sacks or a dumb QB hanging onto the ball forever.  

[5-Points 3,853]

16 minutes ago, edjr said:

Are pressures the new sacks?  

by Barry Shuck

Nov 6, 2025, 2:00 PM EST

https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/arizona-cardinals-news/84377/are-pressures-the-new-sacks

 

Total tackles, interceptions, and sacks are the hallmarks of any defense. There are other parameters, such as total yards allowed either in the run game or through the air, the number of batted passes, and tackles for loss. But the aforementioned stats are considered the Big-3.

Or, are they?

 

Seems to me, points allowed should be in the top 3.

[edjr 7,090]

8 minutes ago, 5-Points said:

Seems to me, points allowed should be in the top 3.

Is that a "statistic"  or is that "the score"  

[edjr 7,090]

24 minutes ago, listen2me 23 said:

Oh I agree pressures matter a ton and get overlooked.  Pressures are a better gauge of pass rush effectiveness.   But there are some guys who seem to be able to close the deal better than others.  A guy like Rashan Gary who was decent (not anymore maybe a cut) but was known for limited production at Michigan even though he is a specimen and would create good pressure.  Well same thing in NFL, early on he was highly rated in pressure % but would end up with modest sack totals.  

Quick pressure rate also matters, as its less to do with coverage sacks or a dumb QB hanging onto the ball forever.  

Or a guy rushes up the middle, quarterback moves to the right. Different lineman gets the sack, because he was in the right place. The pressure mattered far more than the actual sack

[MTSkiBum 1,628]

Garrett breaking the sack record is impressive because the Browns played from behind quite a bit and opposing teams didnt need to pass. 

Through week 17 they faced the 3rd lowest number of pass attempts in the league at 448 attempts. 

 

The jaguars and seahawks each had over 600 pass attempts against their defense. Imagine if he got another 150 chances to sack the QB. 

[edjr 7,090]

4 minutes ago, MTSkiBum said:

Garrett breaking the sack record is impressive because the Browns played from behind quite a bit and opposing teams didnt need to pass. 

Through week 17 they faced the 3rd lowest number of pass attempts in the league at 448 attempts. 

 

The jaguars and seahawks each had over 600 pass attempts against their defense. Imagine if he got another 150 chances to sack the QB. 

He had FIVE sacks (in one game) against the Patriots and they lost 32 to 13.  Sacks really matter. 5 of his 23. WHO THE FOCK CARES?

[MTSkiBum 1,628]

1 minute ago, edjr said:

He had FIVE sacks against the Patriots and they lost 32 to 13.  Sacks really matter

 

The browns are a dysfunctional franchise and having 1 elite player does not solve the problem. It is a team game and while usually the QB gets blamed, it looks like the DE is getting blamed here. 

Dillon Gabriel had 4.5 yards per attempt and 2 interceptions. It is amazing they had 13 points. 

[Strike 6,095]

Bear in mind that the record he broke was set in 16 games, not 17.  So, *******.

[edjr 7,090]

12 minutes ago, MTSkiBum said:

 

The browns are a dysfunctional franchise and having 1 elite player does not solve the problem. It is a team game and while usually the QB gets blamed, it looks like the DE is getting blamed here. 

Dillon Gabriel had 4.5 yards per attempt and 2 interceptions. It is amazing they had 13 points. 

My point still stands. Sacks are overrated. I didn't say meaningless. I said overrated. Myles Garrett proved that beyond a shadow of a doubt this season.

Why are people celebrating a useless record like sacks. Team had 5 wins. Why celebrate that?

[edjr 7,090]

10 minutes ago, Strike said:

Bear in mind that the record he broke was set in 16 games, not 17.  So, *******.

Good point. 

However, even with the extra game. The Bears still have never had a QB with 4000 passing yards in a single season.  

[MTSkiBum 1,628]

24 minutes ago, Strike said:

Bear in mind that the record he broke was set in 16 games, not 17.  So, *******.

 

The browns this year faced the same number of pass attempts as giants in 2001. That is even though passing rate is up quite a bit over last 24 years and the fact that he got an extra game. 

The sack rate was better for Garrett than Strahan. 

[MTSkiBum 1,628]

18 minutes ago, edjr said:

My point still stands. Sacks are overrated. I didn't say meaningless. I said overrated. Myles Garrett proved that beyond a shadow of a doubt this season.

Why are people celebrating a useless record like sacks. Team had 5 wins. Why celebrate that?

I dont listen to much sports media, but if sirius xm or espn are overrating it then that is their fault. 

It is still an impressive feat even though the team sucked. When a good player gets stuck on the jets, browns, raiders, or other bad team i generally don't hold it against the player. There is nothing they can do to turn the team around. 

[edjr 7,090]

Just now, MTSkiBum said:

I dont listen to much sports media, but if sirius xm or espn are overrating it then that is their fault. 

I came up with this on my own. 

[Mike Hunt 320]

Sacks at crucial times in a game are very important. 

Sacks when a team is winning big and the losing team is passing every down are very overrated. 

Like hitting home runs in the 9th inning when team is winning or losing by 8 runs.

[edjr 7,090]

1 minute ago, Mike Hunt said:

Sacks at crucial times in a game are very important. 

Sacks when a team is winning big and the losing team is passing every down are very overrated. 

Like hitting home runs in the 9th inning when team is winning or losing by 8 runs.

Well put. Many baseball players have made a lot of money from hitting bombs when it doesn't matter

[Hardcore troubadour 16,148]

Qb’s complete passes under pressure all the time. They never do when they get sacked. 

[nobody 2,956]

3 hours ago, edjr said:

He had FIVE sacks (in one game) against the Patriots and they lost 32 to 13.  Sacks really matter. 5 of his 23. WHO THE FOCK CARES?

Yeah, but the patriots probably had refs in their pocket, so every sack was probably followed by a phantom defensive holding call gifting them the first down.

[edjr 7,090]

1 minute ago, nobody said:

Yeah, but the patriots probably had refs in their pocket, so every sack was probably followed by a phantom defensive holding call gifting them the first down.

Naturally. 

[patweisers44 876]

The only thing i can offer to the discussion is that you can get a pressure on a play where your team gives up a TD pass. 

If the pressure stat was only good for negative yardage plays, INTs, or incomplete passes it would be better. Its overrated to me as well.

[edjr 7,090]

5 minutes ago, patweisers44 said:

The only thing i can offer to the discussion is that you can get a pressure on a play where your team gives up a TD pass. 

If the pressure stat was only good for negative yardage plays, INTs, or incomplete passes it would be better. Its overrated to me as well.

Yup. Lots of blitzing results in wide open TDs. Ask Jerry Rice

[nobody 2,956]

This guy says a sack is worth 1.7 points.

https://www.advancedfootballanalytics.com/2008/11/value-of-sack.html

[nobody 2,956]

https://www.pff.com/news/pro-just-how-important-are-sacks-for-a-defense

Sacks are the most important thing in the universe.

[edjr 7,090]

9 minutes ago, nobody said:

This guy says a sack is worth 1.7 points.

https://www.advancedfootballanalytics.com/2008/11/value-of-sack.html

2008 maybe the sack mattered back then  

[WhiteWonder 3,035]

If pressure on the QB is not overrated, then by default a sack cannot be overrated. If you pressure the QB into throwing the ball away, a sack is the same result (loss of down) plus a pushback in yardage. Closer to an intentional grounding. Maybe I don't care about the exact number a guy has but if he is generating a lot of sacks, he is also likely generating a lot of pressures.

Interceptions for a DB is a much more overrated stat. As long as my DB keeps his assignment from catching the ball (maybe has a high number of passes defensed) I don't really care if he never intercepts a pass. Turnovers are great, but if a guy is good enough, he seldom even gets thrown at. 

[edjr 7,090]

4 minutes ago, WhiteWonder said:

If pressure on the QB is not overrated, then by default a sack cannot be overrated. If you pressure the QB into throwing the ball away, a sack is the same result (loss of down) plus a pushback in yardage. Closer to an intentional grounding. Maybe I don't care about the exact number a guy has but if he is generating a lot of sacks, he is also likely generating a lot of pressures.

Interceptions for a DB is a much more overrated stat. As long as my DB keeps his assignment from catching the ball (maybe has a high number of passes defensed) I don't really care if he never intercepts a pass. Turnovers are great, but if a guy is good enough, he seldom even gets thrown at. 

For the 2025 NFL season (as of early January 2026), Micah Parsons (Dallas Cowboys/Packers - sources conflict on team but confirm lead) led the league in QB pressures, with reports from November 2025 citing him at 53 pressures, per NextGenStats. While other stats like sacks were dominated by Myles Garrett, Parsons was the top disruptive force in generating QB pressures for the 2025 season. 

[nobody 2,956]

10 minutes ago, WhiteWonder said:

If pressure on the QB is not overrated, then by default a sack cannot be overrated. If you pressure the QB into throwing the ball away, a sack is the same result (loss of down) plus a pushback in yardage. Closer to an intentional grounding. Maybe I don't care about the exact number a guy has but if he is generating a lot of sacks, he is also likely generating a lot of pressures.

Agreed. Sacks are really a shorthand for pressure.  Not perfect because if a guy does nothing but rush the passer, and they just run the ball at the guy knowing this super pass rusher only cares about the glory sack stat and will run himself out of containment, the defense is in trouble.  I don't think Garrett is that type of player though.  Maybe he is.  I don't watch Browns games if I can help it.   Parsons kind of reminds me of that type.  All about filling the stat sheet.  Trayvon Diggs the same.

[WhiteWonder 3,035]

Just now, edjr said:

For the 2025 NFL season (as of early January 2026), Micah Parsons (Dallas Cowboys/Packers - sources conflict on team but confirm lead) led the league in QB pressures, with reports from November 2025 citing him at 53 pressures, per NextGenStats. While other stats like sacks were dominated by Myles Garrett, Parsons was the top disruptive force in generating QB pressures for the 2025 season. 

PFF has Garrett at 75 total pressures and ranks him 8th. 

point being a guy who leads the league in sacks is probably going to have a lot of pressures, and he does. he doesn't need to lead the league

[nobody 2,956]

Hot take: Micah Parsons is overrated.