### Controversy Erupts as Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase and Zac Taylor Criticize NFL for Game Stoppage During Myles Garrett's Historic Moment In a dramatic Week 18 matchup, Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja'Marr Chase and head coach Zac Taylor expressed their frustration over an in-game stoppage that allowed the Cleveland Browns to celebrate Myles Garrett's record-breaking 23rd sack of the season. The incident occurred with approximately five minutes left in the game, disrupting the Bengals' momentum as they attempted to respond to the Browns' lead. Chase labeled the officiating decision as improper, arguing that it interfered with the competitive nature of the game, while Taylor echoed these sentiments, stating he was not informed of any planned stoppage, which left his team scrambling to regain their rhythm during a critical moment in the match [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/you_cant_do_that_jamarr_chase_has_a_problem_with_nfl_decision_after_myles_garrett_record/s1_17068_43292050][https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/zac-taylor-fumes-refs-pause-025504470.html]. ### Breakdown of the Incident and Reactions 1. **Game Context**: - The stoppage occurred late in the fourth quarter of a tightly contested game, where the Bengals were trailing the Browns 20-18. - Myles Garrett's sack of Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow not only marked a pivotal moment in the game but also set a new NFL single-season record for sacks. 2. **Chase's Criticism**: - Ja'Marr Chase articulated his discontent, stating, "You can't do that," emphasizing that the pause disrupted their offensive tempo and competitive edge [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/you_cant_do_that_jamarr_chase_has_a_problem_with_nfl_decision_after_myles_garrett_record/s1_17068_43292050]. 3. **Taylor's Frustration**: - Zac Taylor expressed his anger towards the referees for halting the game without prior notice, which he felt was unfair to his team [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/zac-taylor-fumes-refs-pause-025504470.html]. - He noted that the celebration by the Browns, which included players coming off the bench, should have warranted a penalty, yet the officials chose to overlook it [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/zac_taylor_wanted_browns_punished_for_celebrating_myles_garretts_record_setting_sack/s1_127_43287002]. 4. **Public and Media Reaction**: - The incident sparked a broader discussion in the media, with some commentators, like Rex Ryan, criticizing Taylor for his complaints about the stoppage, suggesting that it was a moment worth celebrating [https://awfulannouncing.com/espn/rex-ryan-rips-zac-taylor-myles-garrett-celebration.html]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Game Statistics**: - Myles Garrett's sack count reached 23, breaking the previous single-season record, which was a significant milestone in NFL history. - The Bengals ultimately lost the game 20-18, finishing the season with a 6-11 record, which added to the frustration of the players and coaching staff [https://bluewaterhealthyliving.com/news/national-news/ohio/zac-taylor-questions-officials-stopping-game-after-myles-garrett-sack]. ### Conclusion: A Divisive Moment in NFL History The stoppage during Myles Garrett's record-setting sack has ignited a debate about officiating and the integrity of game flow in the NFL. 1. **Key Takeaways**: - **Disruption of Momentum**: The Bengals felt the stoppage was detrimental to their performance at a crucial time [https://www.themirror.com/sport/american-football/bengals-angry-myles-garrett-record-1598022]. - **Coaching Frustration**: Zac Taylor's public outcry reflects a broader concern among coaches regarding officiating decisions that impact game dynamics [https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2026/01/04/bengals-zac-taylor-critical-officials-myles-garrett-sack/88021727007]. - **Celebration vs. Competition**: The incident raises questions about the balance between celebrating player achievements and maintaining the competitive integrity of the game [https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals-zac-taylor-mad-at-refs-myles-garrett-sack]. In summary, while Myles Garrett's achievement is celebrated, the manner in which it was acknowledged has left a sour taste for the Bengals, highlighting the complexities of officiating in high-stakes games.