Could Shaquil Barrett break Michael Strahan’s sack record? He needs 8.5 sacks

There is a huge task ahead of the final four games for Shaquil Barrett. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers pass rusher bet on himself this year and took a one year contract with the Buccaneers for 5 million dollars and right now he is the NFL’s sack leader with 14.5 sacks.

While 14.5 sacks is a lot, he still needs 2 sacks a game to finish with 22.5 sacks that would tie Michael Strahan’s record from 2001.

Since 2001, only four people have broke the 20 sack mark which is a huge accomplishment. If Barrett can hit the 20 sack mark he will join Aaron Donald, Justin Houston, JJ Watt and Jared Allen who are the only four to hit the mark since Strahan broke the record.

I know it is a long shot but I think Barrett has a good chance. Let me explain. The Buccaneers face Jacoby Brissett this week and while the Colts do not give up a lot of sacks, if Barrett can get one that would put him at 15.5 on the season. The Colts only allow 2 sacks a game on average.

Next up, the Buccaneers face the Lions who have David Blough starting at quarterback. While they have given up only 31 sacks on the year, last week Blough was sacked twice. Their average is 2.6 per game. Barrett would have to rack up 2.5 sacks against the Lions if he wanted a chance to break the record. This would put him at 18 on the season.

If Shaq could get to 18 sacks by the Texans game he may have a chance. He will need to be gunning for the record though. The Texans allow three sacks a game and if he can get 2 against the Texans he will be at 20 sacks on the year. This would be monstrous, especially with his final game in Atlanta.

If Barrett can get after Matt Ryan like the Saints did racking up 9 sacks in one game bringing their sacks allowed to 40 on the year, Barrett could break the record against the Falcons. He would need just 3 sacks to break the record. I think this is possible, many may think I am a home but I would not bet against him. I think he can see it.

It would be the best story of the year if he did in fact break it. Especially, when only one team really wanted him in free agency.

Get ready though because he is going to get paid next year regardless.