The San Francisco 49ers' biggest challenge on Sunday may be slowing down Cleveland Browns superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett, who is on a historic tear this season. Garrett enters Week 13 with 18 sacks, six more than the next closest player—New York Giants edge rusher Brian Burns, who has 13. Garrett has matched that total in just his last four games.

At his current pace, Garrett is tracking for 27.5 sacks, a number that would easily top the official single-season record of 22.5 shared by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt. That sets up a massive test for Trent Williams and the 49ers' offensive line as they work to keep the league's most dominant pass rusher away from quarterback Brock Purdy.


When asked whether he has lost sleep preparing for Garrett, Williams replied, "Not yet, but I'm sure I will."

He quickly corrected himself: "Nah, I lied. Yeah, I have."

Despite Garrett's monster season, two NFL analysts believe the 49ers will completely neutralize him in this Week 13 matchup.

NFL Media senior staff editor Brooke Cersosimo predicts that Garrett will be held without a sack.

"He'll go up against 11-time Pro Bowl tackle Trent Williams, who held Garrett without a sack in their one previous meeting in Week 6 of 2023," Cersosimo wrote. "Williams and the 49ers' O-line do it again and prevent Garrett from getting a sack Sunday."


CBS Sports writer Garrett Podell offered a similar prediction, noting that Purdy's quick decision-making—combined with Williams' elite level of play—could keep Garrett from adding to his sack total.

"Purdy's blindside protector at left tackle remains 11-time Pro Bowler Trent Williams, and he is still performing at an elite level this season," Podell wrote. "Williams' 87.9 Pro Football Focus offensive grade is the second-best in the NFL among offensive tackles this season, trailing only Detroit Lions All-Pro Penei Sewell (95.9).

"San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan will have Purdy getting the ball out quickly with plenty of checkdown opportunities for running back Christian McCaffrey, who leads the NFL in both scrimmage yards (1,581) and touches (298) this season."

Purdy recently spoke about the upcoming challenge and the respect he has for the Browns' defensive star.

"Obviously, I think he's the best in the league at what he does, and you have to have a game plan ready for him, and more than anything, understand I can't be holding onto the ball too long," Purdy said. "I think any quarterback could say that about him. We all have his respect, so it's going to be a good challenge for all of us, and I'm excited for our game plan to go in and compete."

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