Most sacks in an NFL game: Where Myles Garrett’s 5-sack day vs. Patriots ranks on all-time list

Sacks have only been considered an official NFL stat since 1983. Still, their influence looms large on the sport.

They’re the currency by which pass rushers are paid, a marker that reflects their impact on the course of a game and an assessment of some of the league’s highest-paid players. While quarterback is the league’s wealthiest position, EDGE — with its collection of beanstalks with harrowing speed — sits not so far behind.

Myles Garrett proved why during the Cleveland Browns’ Week 8 loss on Sunday. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year winner made New England Patriots QB Drake Maye’s life hellish, tallying five sacks. His performance was a historic one; he’s the first player to record five sacks against New England. He also set a franchise record for most sacks in a single game.

So, where does Garrett’s performance rank in the list of all time great pass-rushing days? Here’s what you need to know.

MORE: Why did the Browns move to Baltimore in 1995?

Most sacks in an NFL game

The record for the most sacks in an NFL game belongs to Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Thomas, who tallied seven as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs in 1990. Thomas burst in the backfield to drop Seattle Seahawks hurler Dave Krieg.

Here’s a look at Thomas’ display, as well as some other notable showings.

Derrick Thomas

Thomas recorded a league-leading 20 sacks during the 1990 season. 14 percent of them came in Kansas City’s 17-16 defeat against Seattle.

Krieg enjoyed a sterling day in the office against the Chiefs, amassing 306 yards and two touchdowns against the Chiefs’ defense. Thomas made things difficult, though; the two-time All-Pro rusher made NFL history atop the Arrowhead Stadium turf, recording an NFL record seven sacks in the process.

Many have came close to confronting Thomas’ record mark in the history books. None have surpassed it, though.

Khalil Mack

Mack sacked Aidan O’Connell half a dozen times as a member of the Los Angeles Chargers. The former Defensive Player of the Year winner wasn’t quite at the peak of his powers when his side met the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023. But he was close — Mack burst through the trenches to wreak havoc on O’Connell and Co. Mack ripped the ball from O’Connell’s grasp on two separate occasions.

Los Angeles was grateful for the then-32-year-old’s contributions; fueled by Mack’s heroics, the Chargers claimed a 24-17 win over their divisional rivals.

Adrian Clayborn

Clayborn enjoyed a solid 10-year spell in the NFL, earning starts with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns. He basked in the spotlight during a 2017 duel with the Dallas Cowboys, sweeping Dak Prescott aside to the tune of a six-sack outing.

Osi Umenyiora

Umenyiora had plenty of great days as a member of the New York Giants. A two-time Super Bowl champion, two-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro, Umenyiora is one of the Giants’ greatest-ever pass rushers.

He showcased why during a 2007 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles. Donovan McNabb fell victim to a barrage of Umenyiora rushes, crashing to the turf on six occasions. Unsurprisingly, the Giants emerged as victors, downing their divisional adversaries, 16-3.

Derrick Thomas

Thomas was known for collecting sacks in bunches. He accumulated six of them during a 28-8 win over Oakland. Thomas never won a Defensive Player of the Year award during his career. Showcases like the one he authored up against the Raiders — where he recorded half of his sack total for the year — proved he was more than deserving of the recognition.