This week, a few individual records could be set. This is an observation that will become more and more frequent with the addition of a game to the regular season.
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By going from 16 to 17 games, the NFL has opened the door to a barrage of records that will fall sooner rather than later. And taking for granted that this 17th game is just one step towards a possible 18-game season, the league is heading straight for an avalanche of records in the years to come.
Today, Steelers all-star linebacker TJ Watt is just a quarterback sack in a 22.5 season, owned by Michael Strahan since 2001.
Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp needs 136 yards to put the scorecard up to 1965 yards this season. He would thus appropriate the mark of Calvin Johnson, in 2012. He also needs 12 receptions to also snatch the record of receptions (149), freshly entered by Michael Thomas in 2019.
If Tom Brady completes 16 assists against the Panthers, he will break Drew Brees’ record of 471 completed assists in 2016.
If Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts is in uniform despite a leg injury, he’ll need just 59 yards to break a 60-year-old record. To this day, Mike Ditka is still the rookie tight end with the most yards in a season (1076).
Favorable context
All the players mentioned deserve the accolades, but it is nevertheless important to see these personal marks in the current context. The extended calendar brings a less grandiose flavor to these exploits, especially in an era where the offensive has much more freedom.
In a case like Ditka, how does his incredible 1961 season compare to Pitts’ one, knowing that at the time, the season was only 14 games long?
As for Watt and the potential quarterback sack record, some will note in his defense that he will have played 15 games this season, having been sidelined twice. Strahan had taken part in 16 meetings during his dream campaign, 20 years ago.
Kupp impresses
Among the exploits of the current season, we must focus on the incredible performance of Cooper Kupp. The Rams wide receiver is one of the few in history to come close to the “triple crown” in his position – leading in yards gained, number of receptions and touchdowns.
Everyone has only for the record of yards, but it is his domination in the three categories that should be retained. After all, in history only Jerry Rice (1990), Sterling Sharpe (1992) and Steve Smith (2005) achieved the feat.
Yes, Kupp is evolving in a favorable period offensively, but he remains far ahead of the competition with 21 receptions and 320 yards more than his closest competitors in both categories. The best part in all of history is that Kupp is the first to recognize that this season’s records will not have the same flavor.
“We are now playing 17 games and the records that have been set in 16 game seasons carry a different weight. You almost have to separate the two, ”he said earlier this week.
Obviously, Mr. Kupp’s wisdom is matched only by his excellence in the field!
1- Coaches in danger
By the end of the day, or tomorrow, a few coaches may be instructed to exit. The first to come out on top are Matt Nagy (Bears), Mike Zimmer (Vikings) and Vic Fangio (Broncos). We will also have to monitor the situation with the Giants (Joe Judge), the Texans (David Culley), the Panthers (Matt Rhule) and maybe even the Seahawks (Pete Carroll).
2- Tight matches
In total before yesterday’s games, 46 games were decided in the last minute of regular time or overtime play. The record of 49 games decided in such a context, which has held since 2013, could potentially fall. Remember, however, the extension of the regular schedule means that 16 more games are presented this season.
3- Watt on the hunt
As mentioned in the other text, TJ Watt is only a quarter-sack of Michael Strahan’s one-season record at 22.5. Watt has so far managed 21.5 sacks in 14 games, averaging 1.54 per game. In the story, only Reggie White did better. In 1987, he had had a monstrous season of 21 sacks in just 12 games (1.75 per game).
4- Ekeler on a mission
In the last game on the program between Chargers and Raiders, an individual performance deserves attention. Chargers forward Austin Ekeler was skipped in the 2017 draft. He has since established himself as a starter, and this season he’s claimed 18 touchdowns. Of all the undrafted carriers in history, this is the third-highest touchdown total in a season, tied with LeGarrette Blount (2016) and Arian Foster (2010). He will try to overtake them. The big leader is Priest Holmes (27, in 2003).
5- Recruit receivers
Jaylen Waddle of the Dolphins claims 99 catches and is now just three away from beating the mark set by Anquan Boldin in 2003 for most receptions for a rookie. The 2021 receivers cuvée is also exceptional. Four players (Waddle, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Ja’Marr Chase and Najee Harris) have at least 70 receptions. The mark was established in 2014 with three players with at least 70 catches.