Paycor Stadium was home to a historic moment as Myles Garrett set the NFL record for most sacks in a season at 23. What happened after, however, drew the ire of Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, who was subsequently called out for his postgame remarks.
Browns Analyst Mocks Zac Taylor for His Postgame Comments on Myles Garrett’s Sack Celebration
Garrett’s final sack of the season came in climactic fashion as the superstar defensive end brought down Joe Burrow with 5:13 remaining in the fourth quarter to pass T.J. Watt and Michael Strahan for this milestone.
The Cleveland Browns closed out the regular season with a 20-18 victory over the Bengals. Both AFC North franchises have gone through trying years once again, and Sunday’s back-and-forth struggle encapsulated why they will once again be watching the playoffs from home. The Browns finished the regular season at 5-12 while the Bengals finished at 6-11.
Nonetheless, this game between eliminated teams drew a lot of eyeballs because of Garrett’s quest for history. And the seven-time Pro Bowler’s sack sparked a full-scale celebration from the Browns, which the referees allowed.
Taylor, as well as Bengals star wideout Ja’Marr Chase, ultimately both took issue with the officiating after Garrett’s 23rd sack. Taylor focused on the officials letting an extended on-field celebration happen rather than giving the ball back to the Bengals’ offense, while Chase argued that a flag should’ve been thrown for the aftermath.
Ken Carman, a Browns analyst for 92.3 the Fan, subsequently called out these remarks, noting that NFL records have been celebrated in the middle of games before.
“If Ja’Marr Chase sets the all-time receiving record, you will pause the game, and everybody will clap for Ja’Marr Chase. That will happen. He does know that, right? This is the NFL. When Dan Marino went over 60,000 yards, they stopped the game…this is professional sports, and neither of you is going to the playoffs.”
“Is there any bigger group of cry babies in this division than the Cincinnati Bengals?.. This was the only reason people were watching the game.”@KenCarman & @SportsBoyTony on the Bengals complaining about the game being stopped after Myles Garrett’s record breaking sack😂 https://t.co/fXJ9p5fBAt pic.twitter.com/qmhJmydegW
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) January 5, 2026
The Browns’ Star Defensive End Continues to Pad His Hall of Fame Resume
Even with all the drama surrounding the aftermath, the Browns had every right to hoist Garrett on their shoulders for his accomplishment. The legendary pass rusher led a defense that remained focused despite all the struggles on offense, finishing the season ranked sixth in PFSN’s NFL Defense Impact with a B grade.
They earned this moment, and Carman is correct that referees have allowed on-field celebrations for these accomplishments before. As the Browns and Bengals head into their respective offseasons, Garrett and company will now look towards a future without head coach Kevin Stefanski, who was fired earlier today.
It goes without saying that this front office owes its former No. 1 overall pick a contending roster, especially as he is still in his prime.
