Miles Garrett has a career playoff record of 1-2, meaning he has 1 playoff win. As the foundational pass rusher for the Cleveland Browns, Garrett has anchored one of the league's most feared defensive units, but team success in January has been hard to come by since he was drafted first overall in 2017.
Understanding his postseason resume requires looking past the raw win-loss tally to examine his individual performances, the specific games he has played, and how the Browns have fared during his tenure.
The Breakdown of Miles Garrett's Postseason Appearances
Since entering the NFL, Garrett has helped lead the Cleveland Browns to the postseason twice: during the 2020 season (played in January 2021) and the 2023 season (played in January 2024). Across these two playoff runs, he has appeared in three total games.
- 2020 Wild Card Round (Browns 48, Steelers 37): Garrett secured his lone career playoff win in an unforgettable rivalry matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 10, 2021. Returning from a COVID-19 absence that forced him to miss the end of the regular season, Garrett recorded 1 tackle and helped pressure Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger as Cleveland jumped out to a historic 28-0 first-quarter lead and closed out their first playoff victory since 1994.
- 2020 Divisional Round (Chiefs 22, Browns 17): One week later, on January 17, 2021, the Browns traveled to Arrowhead Stadium to face Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Garrett played hard, registering 2 tackles and 1.0 sack, but Kansas City narrowly edged out Cleveland to eliminate them from the tournament.
- 2023 Wild Card Round (Texans 45, Browns 14): Cleveland returned to the postseason following a stellar 2023 campaign where Garrett earned Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year honors. Facing a rookie sensation in C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans on January 13, 2024, the Browns' defense struggled to contain the passing game. Garrett posted 3 total tackles (2 solo, 1 assist) but was held without a sack as Houston pulled away in the second half.
Career Postseason Statistics
While team wins are a collective metric, individual production in high-stakes games defines an elite defender. In his three career playoff games, Garrett has compiled solid baseline statistics against top-tier competition.
- Total Tackles: 6 combined tackles (5 solo, 1 assist)
- Sacks: 1.0 sack
- Sack Yards: 6 yards lost
- Forced Fumbles / Interceptions: 0
Opposing offenses routinely design blocking schemes, chips, and double-teams specifically to neutralize Garrett, which limits his raw box score production even when he impacts the game's overall flow.
Contextualizing Cleveland's Postseason Droughts
To fully appreciate Garrett's playoff history, it helps to look at the broader context of the franchise. Before Garrett arrived, the Browns endured more than a decade of missing the postseason entirely. Drafted out of Texas A&M by the front office in 2017, Garrett experienced a winless 0-16 season in his rookie campaign before the organization slowly built a competitive roster around him.
The AFC North division is widely regarded as one of the most physically demanding divisions in professional football. Navigating a schedule that includes the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cincinnati Bengals twice a year leaves little margin for error. Securing wild card spots or division titles requires immense weekly consistency, making every January appearance hard-earned.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many playoff games has Miles Garrett played in?
Miles Garrett has played in 3 career playoff games, holding an overall record of 1-2.
Did Miles Garrett win a Defensive Player of the Year award?
Yes. Garrett won the prestigious AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award following the 2023 regular season, recognizing his dominance as a pass rusher. You can read more about league accolades on the NFL Official Website.
Who did Miles Garrett beat for his only playoff win?
His lone postseason victory came against the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 10, 2021, during the AFC Wild Card round.
How many sacks does Miles Garrett have in the playoffs?
Garrett has recorded 1.0 postseason sack, which came against the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2020 Divisional Round. Track his ongoing career milestones through Pro Football Reference.
