Didn't realize this until I read the CL but Brees could...

[dawgstudent]

lose the record this weekend. Brady is 190 yards behind him and Brees might sit for a lot of the game.

 

[aTotal360]

You know the Brees/Saints mancrush the media is having right nownauseatesBelichick and Brady. It would not surprise me if Tom threw 55 passes this weekend.

 

[57stratdawg]

I think that's one of those records that going to be broken once every 4 or 5 years from now on.

 

[tenureplan]

They are stilling playing for a playoff bye.

When does San Fran play? Before or after the Saints?

 

[Pootie Tang]

NFL always tries to work in out like that on the last weekend. Teams jockeying for playoff position tend to play at the same time.

 

[dawgs.sixpack]

saints still have a potential bye on the line and the 49ers play simultaneously against the rams. i'd imagine the saints will play to win.

however, the pats have the #1 seed and home field advantage wrapped up in the afc, so it'd actually make sense for brady to sit.

 

[fishwater99]

I do believe the Saints can break the Total Offensive yards record this week too. Brees will play at least 3 quarters, so he should be good..
Went to the game and it was nuts, took a video of the play, crowrd went wild, just not quite like the NFC Championship field goal...
Will post it once I upload...

 

[Buford T. Justice]

The game is certainly played in a manner that will allow for bigger numbers in the passing game.

Marino in 1984 - 317.75 ypg
Brees in 2011 - 339.13 ypg
Brady in 2011 - 326.47 ypg

However, in 1984 the average team passed for 205.9 yards per game. In 2011 that number is 228.8 yards per game (from profootballreference).

Marino was 54% above the average
Brees is 48% above the average
Brady is 43% above the average

Brees, Brady, or Rodgers could all make a run at the record each year for several more years.

 

[dawgs.sixpack]

you could also argue that in 1984 Ds weren't as geared towards stopping the pass like they are today, and even with more lax rules regarding WR contact downfield, Ds were geared for stopping the run and therefore marino had an advantage in being the anomaly.

 

[kimmer]

Brees has a significant lead on Brady and the saints have to play starters with a potential bye on the line while the pats game means nothing. If Brady was in the lead or even within a few yards of Brees he might go for it but under current circumstances I think Brady and Belichek(sp?) will concede. Can you imagine Belichek standing in front of the NE press trying to explain why the franchise player was injured in a meaningless game just prior to the playoffs while trying to set an individual record.

 

[Buford T. Justice]

I think you make a good point. Defenses are more sophisticated, and the league has some great passers (the Mannings, Brady, Rodgers, Rivers, Brees, Schaub, Stafford, etc.), and tight-ends that are more receivers than blockers. Therefore, defenses are playing more nickle and dime, and drafting more pass rushers and defensive backs. There is really no way to make a good comparison. Marino's year was incredible, as is Brees's year.