Havin’ a record year: NFL marks set to fall in Week 18
BARRY WILNER AP Pro Football Writer
When Eric Church sang about “havin’ a record year,” he wasn’t referring to the NFL.
The country music star could have been.
For the 2021 season that ends this weekend with the first set of 17th games in league history, a slew of marks are about to be set. Major records, too.
Start with the most successful quarterback in NFL annals, naturally. Tom Brady leads in completions (456), yards passing (4,990) and touchdown passes (40). Tampa Bay’s Brady is within striking distance of the single-season records for both passing yards (Peyton Manning’s 5,477 for Denver in 2013) and completions (Drew Brees, 471 for New Orleans in 2016). Brady, of course, has that extra game to chase down Manning and Brees.
The Rams’ Cooper Kupp leads in receptions with 138, receiving yards (1,829) and touchdown receptions (15) this season and is within striking distance of the single-season record for most receptions and receiving yards. The Saints’ Michael Thomas, who won the Offensive Player of the Year award in 2019 when he had 149 catches, holds that mark.
Kupp will need a big game against San Francisco to get to Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson’s yardage record of 1,964 in 2012. Kupp is at 1,829.
“The most important thing is that we win the game, lock down the division title and be ready to move into the playoffs here,” Kupp said, “but it would be a very cool thing because of the respect I have for the players in this league and the talent that there is. It’s a tough thing to do.”
All records are tough to reach. If you have Brady throwing to you, though, extending a standard you’ve already set might be easier.
Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans enters this week with 946 receiving yards. With 54 against Carolina on Sunday, Evans will become the first player with at least 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first eight seasons.
That’s something Bengals rookie Ja’Marr Chase might, well, chase as he moves along. Last week, Chase had 266 yards receiving, the most in a single game by a rookie. He now has 1,429 yards receiving the season, passing Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson’s 1,400 in 2020, a Super Bowl era mark. With 45 more yards at Cleveland on Sunday, he will surpass the Houston Oilers’ Bill Groman’s 1,473 in 1960 for the all-time rookie record.
In this season of spectacular newcomers at receiver, Miami’s Jaylen Waddle seems bound for the record books. Waddle’s 99 receptions are second most by a rookie, and with three more he will beat the 2003 standard set by Arizona’s Anquan Boldin.
Getting tight ends into the mix, Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts has 1,018 yards through the year. If he gets 59 against New Orleans, Pitts will blow by Hall of Famer Mike Ditka’s 1,076 in 1961 for the most.
On the other side of the ball, the sacks mark set by Hall of Famer Michael Strahan — and helped by Brett Favre’s pratfall — could fall when the Steelers face the Ravens. With 1 1/2 sacks at Baltimore, T.J. Watt will break Strahan’s’ 2001 record of 22 1/2. The stat became official in 1982.
With two sacks at Philadelphia on Saturday night, the Cowboys’ Micah Parsons can surpass Tennessee’s Jevon Kearse, who had 14 1/2 in 1999 for the most sacks by a rookie. But Parsons was added to the Dallas COVID-19 reserve list.
A more obscure mark could belong to Carson Wentz. The Indianapolis quarterback has 10 touchdown passes and no interceptions in seven road starts. With no interceptions at Jacksonville on Sunday, Wentz will become the first quarterback to start eight road games in a season without throwing an interception.
Yes, the NFL seems to have a record for everything these days.
Bye Ben? Roethlisberger eyes one last stand at Heinz Field
Vince Bucci
“We worked together for seven years on ‘Monday Night Football’ and ‘Sunday Night Football.’ It was like hitting the lottery. He was so much more than just football — a keen observer of everything around him and a man who could carry on a smart conversation about hundreds and hundreds of topics. The term ‘Renaissance Man’ is tossed around a little too loosely these days, but John was as close as you can come. A dear friend, a wonderful partner in the broadcast booth and a man who brought so much joy to so many people, I’ll miss him enormously.” — Al Michaels, lead announcer for NBC's “Sunday Night Football.”
Vince Bucci
“We worked together for seven years on ‘Monday Night Football’ and ‘Sunday Night Football.’ It was like hitting the lottery. He was so much more than just football — a keen observer of everything around him and a man who could carry on a smart conversation about hundreds and hundreds of topics. The term ‘Renaissance Man’ is tossed around a little too loosely these days, but John was as close as you can come. A dear friend, a wonderful partner in the broadcast booth and a man who brought so much joy to so many people, I’ll miss him enormously.” — Al Michaels, lead announcer for NBC's “Sunday Night Football.”
Bye Ben? Roethlisberger eyes one last stand at Heinz Field
STF
“If you love football, John Madden was probably part of the reason why. If you were lucky enough to watch his Raiders, you were likely inspired watching his free-spirited team play with such heart. If you watched him as a broadcaster, you learned the game from the inside out, through the eyes of a former offensive lineman who understood every nuance of the game. But, as a broadcaster he will always be remembered as the original LOL. He could make you belly laugh for reasons you couldn’t explain, but always treasured. And if you remember him for his video game, you probably learned how to play football without ever touching a ball.” — Cris Collinsworth, Madden's successor as analyst on “Sunday Night Football.”
STF
“If you love football, John Madden was probably part of the reason why. If you were lucky enough to watch his Raiders, you were likely inspired watching his free-spirited team play with such heart. If you watched him as a broadcaster, you learned the game from the inside out, through the eyes of a former offensive lineman who understood every nuance of the game. But, as a broadcaster he will always be remembered as the original LOL. He could make you belly laugh for reasons you couldn’t explain, but always treasured. And if you remember him for his video game, you probably learned how to play football without ever touching a ball.” — Cris Collinsworth, Madden's successor as analyst on “Sunday Night Football.”
Bye Ben? Roethlisberger eyes one last stand at Heinz Field
Mark Duncan
“We lost a larger than life legend in John Madden. My career was narrated by ‘Coach,’ one of the best in the game. I’ll always remember our pre-game (meetings), when we laughed & talked about anything but football. I’ll miss my dear friend. Love & prayers to Virginia & the family.” — Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre.
Mark Duncan
“We lost a larger than life legend in John Madden. My career was narrated by ‘Coach,’ one of the best in the game. I’ll always remember our pre-game (meetings), when we laughed & talked about anything but football. I’ll miss my dear friend. Love & prayers to Virginia & the family.” — Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre.
Bye Ben? Roethlisberger eyes one last stand at Heinz Field
STF
“Few approached life with the joy of legendary football coach & broadcaster John Madden. A colleague at CBS, he was a gentleman with a boisterous sense of humor. On the sidelines & in the booth, this voluble mountain of energy was a trailblazer. A golden era ends with his passing.” — Former “CBS Evening News” anchor Dan Rather.
STF
“Few approached life with the joy of legendary football coach & broadcaster John Madden. A colleague at CBS, he was a gentleman with a boisterous sense of humor. On the sidelines & in the booth, this voluble mountain of energy was a trailblazer. A golden era ends with his passing.” — Former “CBS Evening News” anchor Dan Rather.
Bye Ben? Roethlisberger eyes one last stand at Heinz Field
Anonymous
“John was arguably the most impressive man I’ve ever met. He was a hero, as well as a dear friend. ‘Sunday Night Football’ is what it is today in part because he came over to NBC. He set the tone for what has become prime time’s No. 1 show for the past decade.” — Dick Ebersol, NBC Sports chairman from 1989-2011.
Anonymous
“John was arguably the most impressive man I’ve ever met. He was a hero, as well as a dear friend. ‘Sunday Night Football’ is what it is today in part because he came over to NBC. He set the tone for what has become prime time’s No. 1 show for the past decade.” — Dick Ebersol, NBC Sports chairman from 1989-2011.
Bye Ben? Roethlisberger eyes one last stand at Heinz Field
MICHAEL CONROY
“When Madden and (Pat) Summerall did our games, every player & every coach was excited. It felt big. I told John Madden everything. I trusted him & he never betrayed it. I admired John’s passion for the game most and his truth. He was and will he remembered as a GIANT for football.” — Super Bowl-winning quarterback and CBS broadcaster Phil Simms.
MICHAEL CONROY
“When Madden and (Pat) Summerall did our games, every player & every coach was excited. It felt big. I told John Madden everything. I trusted him & he never betrayed it. I admired John’s passion for the game most and his truth. He was and will he remembered as a GIANT for football.” — Super Bowl-winning quarterback and CBS broadcaster Phil Simms.
Bye Ben? Roethlisberger eyes one last stand at Heinz Field
STF
“Rest In Peace to Hall of Fame Coach John Madden! Young people know him for the Madden NFL game, but he is a legend for being a great football coach winning Super Bowl XI, coaching the Raiders for 10 seasons, and becoming the youngest coach to reach 100 regular-season victories.” — NBA great Magic Johnson.
STF
“Rest In Peace to Hall of Fame Coach John Madden! Young people know him for the Madden NFL game, but he is a legend for being a great football coach winning Super Bowl XI, coaching the Raiders for 10 seasons, and becoming the youngest coach to reach 100 regular-season victories.” — NBA great Magic Johnson.
Bye Ben? Roethlisberger eyes one last stand at Heinz Field
STF
“In the 150+ years football’s been around, no one has had a bigger impact on the game than John Madden. I’m going to really miss him and our Wednesday HOF calls. Rest in peace, John." — Fellow Hall of Famer and former Dallas Cowboys executive Gil Brandt.
STF
“In the 150+ years football’s been around, no one has had a bigger impact on the game than John Madden. I’m going to really miss him and our Wednesday HOF calls. Rest in peace, John." — Fellow Hall of Famer and former Dallas Cowboys executive Gil Brandt.
Bye Ben? Roethlisberger eyes one last stand at Heinz Field
Ben Margot
“I am not aware of anyone who has made a more meaningful impact on the National Football League than John Madden, and I know of no one who loved the game more." — Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
Ben Margot
“I am not aware of anyone who has made a more meaningful impact on the National Football League than John Madden, and I know of no one who loved the game more." — Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
Bye Ben? Roethlisberger eyes one last stand at Heinz Field
Ben Margot
“Nobody loved football more than Coach. He was football. He was an incredible sounding board to me and so many others. There will never be another John Madden, and we will forever be indebted to him for all he did to make football and the NFL what it is today.” — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Ben Margot
“Nobody loved football more than Coach. He was football. He was an incredible sounding board to me and so many others. There will never be another John Madden, and we will forever be indebted to him for all he did to make football and the NFL what it is today.” — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Bye Ben? Roethlisberger eyes one last stand at Heinz Field
STF
“I would sit in my room for hours, playing Madden 94, dreaming about the NFL. John Madden voiced countless childhood memories and help cultivate my love of football. Now I make new memories with my boys playing Madden. I never met John Madden. But I feel like I knew him.” — Former NFL tight end and current broadcaster Greg Olsen.
STF
“I would sit in my room for hours, playing Madden 94, dreaming about the NFL. John Madden voiced countless childhood memories and help cultivate my love of football. Now I make new memories with my boys playing Madden. I never met John Madden. But I feel like I knew him.” — Former NFL tight end and current broadcaster Greg Olsen.
Bye Ben? Roethlisberger eyes one last stand at Heinz Field
George Brich
“I was saddened to hear about the passing of John Madden, at age 85. One the all-time greats, he showed me the ropes during our brief football partnership. He was always kind and delightful. He can now join his former partner, Pat Summerall, in calling Super Bowls in heaven.” — Retired Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully, who also called NFL games.
George Brich
“I was saddened to hear about the passing of John Madden, at age 85. One the all-time greats, he showed me the ropes during our brief football partnership. He was always kind and delightful. He can now join his former partner, Pat Summerall, in calling Super Bowls in heaven.” — Retired Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully, who also called NFL games.
Bye Ben? Roethlisberger eyes one last stand at Heinz Field
STF
“John Madden was dearly loved by millions of football fans worldwide. While it’s a very sad day, it’s also a day we should celebrate the life of a man who brought joy through the game of football to millions.” — Pro Football Hall of Fame.
STF
“John Madden was dearly loved by millions of football fans worldwide. While it’s a very sad day, it’s also a day we should celebrate the life of a man who brought joy through the game of football to millions.” — Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Bye Ben? Roethlisberger eyes one last stand at Heinz Field
MARK DUNCAN
“RIP to the legend Coach John Madden! I never heard of ALL-PRO teams during my childhood. It was all about the All Madden team!! One of a kind! Rest up Coach.” — Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green.
MARK DUNCAN
“RIP to the legend Coach John Madden! I never heard of ALL-PRO teams during my childhood. It was all about the All Madden team!! One of a kind! Rest up Coach.” — Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green.
Bye Ben? Roethlisberger eyes one last stand at Heinz Field
Ric Feld
“Coach John Madden was an NFL icon, who played, coached and gave his name to a video game. But to me he offered his time, wisdom and coaching insight. I was truly blessed to have him as a mentor! RIP Coach.” — Washington Football Team coach Ron Rivera.
Ric Feld
“Coach John Madden was an NFL icon, who played, coached and gave his name to a video game. But to me he offered his time, wisdom and coaching insight. I was truly blessed to have him as a mentor! RIP Coach.” — Washington Football Team coach Ron Rivera.
Bye Ben? Roethlisberger eyes one last stand at Heinz Field
Anonymous
“John Madden absolutely roasting Troy Aikman for 44-seconds over Aikman’s inability to grow a beard will always be one of my favorite John Madden memories ...” — Former NBA player Rex Chapman.
Anonymous
“John Madden absolutely roasting Troy Aikman for 44-seconds over Aikman’s inability to grow a beard will always be one of my favorite John Madden memories ...” — Former NBA player Rex Chapman.
Havin’ a record year: NFL marks set to fall in Week 18
Nick Wass
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp runs with the ball after making a catch against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Nick Wass
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp runs with the ball after making a catch against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
