Willie McGinest Recorded 4.5 Sacks in Game Against Jacksonville Jaguars in 2006

Published on December 31st, 2024 10:58 am EST
Written By: Dave Manuel


When you think about which players potentially hold the record for most sacks in a NFL playoff game, which names would come to mind?

Richard Dent?

Lawrence Taylor?

Warren Sapp?

These are all good guesses, and they would all be incorrect.

The record for most sacks ever recorded in a single playoff game belongs to Willie McGinest, who recorded 4.5 sacks while playing for the New England Patriots during the 2006 playoffs.

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The 2005 New England Patriots were at the beginning of their reign at the top of the NFL, though they weren't exactly great that season.

The Patriots finished with a record of 10-6, though it was enough to earn themselves a home playoff game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card round.

On January 7th, 2006, in front of 68,756 people at Gillette Stadium, the Patriots defense put a thrashing on the Jaguars, holding them to just three points in a 28-3 victory.

The Patriots got to the quarterback for six sacks on that day, including 4.5 sacks from Willie McGinest, which is a postseason record that still stands to this day.

In addition to his 4.5 sacks, McGinest also recorded four tackles for a loss and two assists.

McGinest, along with Rosevelt Colvin and Richard Seymour, absolutely terrorized the Jaguars offensive line, and the Jags were unable to cope.

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A large number of players have recorded three sacks in a single postseason NFL game, though only three have recorded more than that:

1. Willie McGinest, 4.5 sacks
2. Richard Dent, 3.5 sacks
3. Rich Milot, 3.5 sacks