NFL: Brees Breaks Passing Record
QB Drew Brees came into the Monday Night Football matchup with the Washington Redskins, trailing Peyton Manning's all-time passing record by 200 yards. Brees didn't waste much time, as he broke the record before halftime even hit. The New Orleans Saints led, 20-6, with a little less than three minutes remaining in the second quarter. He found WR Tre'Quan Smith near the sideline, who ran down the field to score a 62-yard touchdown. With the score, Brees knocked down Manning's 71,940 yards record. The Saints' quarterback finished the game with 363 yards and three touchdown passes on an astounding 89.7 percent passing. In the end, Brees closed out the record-breaking game with a total of 72,103 passing yards.
He began the year in third place all-time, trailing Manning and Brett Favre, as they're the only three QBs to reach the 70,000-yard plateau. Brees has had an incredible career to this point, and it doesn't seem like he has plans of slowing down anytime soon. He has a Super Bowl ring and Super Bowl MVP in his back pocket, as well as being an 11-time Pro Bowler. Brees was also named the Offensive Player of the Year in 2008 and 2011, and led the NFL in passing touchdowns in four of the five years from 2008-2012. The former Purdue quarterback is now the league leader in total completions, completions in a single season, passing percentage, passing yards, and consecutive games with a touchdown pass.
The Saints would go on to win the game against the Redskins, 43-19, to improve to 4-1 on the season. New Orleans has won four straight games heading into their bye week. RB Mark Ingram returned to the field after his four-game suspension to lead both teams in rushing with 53 yards and two touchdowns on 16 rushes. Smith had a breakout game, totaling 111 yards on just three receptions, two of which ended in the end zone. The Saints totaled 447 yards to the Redskins' 283. It was domination in virtually every aspect of the game and that is exactly how it should be on Brees' big day. The Saints will hit their bye week at a good time, and will return against the Baltimore Ravens.
Photo Credit: CBS Sports.
