Chasing Marino: A Weekly Drew Brees Passing Record Tracker

by Dave Cariello on Nov 22, 2011 6:00 AM CST

Since Drew Brees is currently on pace to break Dan Marino's single-season passing record of 5,084 yards, I thought it was the appropriate time to begin tracking his progress the rest of the way. So here is how Marino's '84 season and Drew's 2011 season stack up through the first 10 games. We'll do this each week.

Through 10 Games

Player	Attempt	Complete	Yards	Comp. %	Yards/Att	TD	TD %	INT	INT %	Long	Sack/Lost	Rating
Drew Brees	422	299	3326	70.9	7.88	23	5.5	11	2.6	79t	19 / 132	101.3
Dan Marino	320	208	3094	65.3	9.67	29	9.3	10	3.3	80t	5 / 34	112.5
+/-	+102	+91	+232	+5.6	-1.79	-6	-3.8	+1	-0.7	-1	+14 / +98	-11.2

As you can see, Drew is well ahead of schedule at this point in the season, nearly an entire games worth, though he is nowhere near as efficient as Dan Marino was in 1984. With six games left, Brees needs 1,759 more yards to break the record, which means he only needs to average a little more than 293 yards per game. Piece of cake for Drew.

In case you were wondering, 2008 Drew Brees was also ahead of Dan Marino through ten games with 3,251 yards before ultimately falling short of breaking the record.

Poll

Do you think Drew Brees will break Dan Marino's single-season passing record of 5,084 yards this year?

Yes

405 votes

No

58 votes

463 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 36 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

Don't break the record....

SHATTER IT! Go Drew go. He is a already headed to Canton, but I think with this record under his belt there could be no debate, none.

by Valmo on Nov 22, 2011 6:57 AM CST reply actions

For those who are always griping about Drew's INTs

please note that Brees has about the same amount of INTs so far as Marino, except Marino had a lot less attempts.
Also, Marino wasn’t touched that season- Brees has gotten a lot more pressure on him. I think back then there were also less pass rushing specialists and LBs who specialized in pass defense thereby making it a little easier for a QB to pick on a LB or a safety who was vulnerable and who stayed in the game whether it was a rushing or passing down.

If Pro is the opposite of Con, what is the opposite of Progress? Congress!
-Men's Restroom - House of Representatives, Washington, DC

by Philinwood on Nov 22, 2011 7:16 AM CST reply actions

I 2nd this!

Fee-fi-fo-fum,
I smell the blood of an Englishman,
Be he alive, or be he dead
I'll grind his bones to make my bread

by jonrockets on Nov 22, 2011 9:36 AM CST up reply actions

Also, Marino wasn’t touched that season

Marino had one killer O-line! 5 sacks?!?

"Well, that sucked."-stujo4 on Rams vs. Saints

by BRSaintsFan on Dec 8, 2011 3:33 PM CST up reply actions

I'm going to say he doesn't break it

my reason is bc I think after we beat the dirty birds in week 16, we will have the division wrapped up and the 3 seed locked, assuming the pack and 49ers keep winning. That means week 17 vs Carolina he should sit. remember last year when we lost some key guys (Jenkins and Ivory) n week 17, don’t risk it again.
That leaves Brees with 5 games to get 1759 yards which equates to 352 a game. Yes he can do it but I think he falls short.

Now if he does have to play all 6 games then he breaks it.

by touchdown my pants on Nov 22, 2011 7:36 AM CST reply actions

With Detroit and Chicago also at 7-3

I really think this might come down to the wire… There’s a good chance Brees plays all 16 games this year. Unless of course you would rather play in Detroit or Chicago come playoffs.

by Valmo on Nov 22, 2011 4:30 PM CST up reply actions

Det and chi mean nothing

Unless we dont win the division. Im predicting that when we bear atl in week 16, it clinches the south and the #3 seed.

by touchdown my pants on Nov 23, 2011 9:32 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

Not mention

Gb is gonna win that division which means det or chi can only get wild cards and cannot have a home game. Theres no chance of us going to either city unless its the nfccg and we are the 6th seed. We also beat chic and will beat det in 2 weeks so we will have the tiebreaker on both

by touchdown my pants on Nov 23, 2011 9:36 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

Brees is actually on pace to not only pass the record, but he's on pace to obliterate the record

Drew Brees
Yards: 3,326
Y/G: 332.6
Projected Yards: 5,322

Tom Brady
Yards: 3,266
Y/G: 326.6
Projected Yards: 5,226

Aaron Rodgers
Yards: 3,168
Y/G: 316.8
Projected Yards: 5,069

As it stands, the slow start last night for the Patriots knocked Brady’s pace below that of Brees. If Brees can maintain that pace, he’ll break the record easily. A starting QB needs an average Y/G 317.81 to pass Marino’s single season mark by one yard (Marino’s mark that year was 317.75 Y/G). Marino passed for 1,214 yards in the last three games of the 1984 season with two of those being 400+ yard games. After Game 13, he was only on pace to hit 4,763 yards. His projected yards were actually going up with each game.

As it stands, we have three QBs who are still on pace to hit 5,000 passing yards. Philip Rivers dropped out of the race after Game 4. Rodgers has been steadily falling off the pace and he may end up with below 5,000 yards this season. That leaves Brady and Brees to go for the record.

RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
If you disagree with me in any way, you are wrong.

by Ace Venom on Nov 22, 2011 7:55 AM CST reply actions

phillip rivers

has to be on pace to break something right?? the INT record?

by touchdown my pants on Nov 22, 2011 8:13 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs

I haven't crunched that one yet

I’ll try to have some handy charts and tables for Brady and Brees (and Rodgers if still applicable) after Week 12 to compare their seasons to the only other 5,000+ passing yard seasons in NFL history: Dan Marino’s record setting 1984 season and the 2008 season for Drew Brees. FWIW, Brees was still on pace to break Marino’s record in 2008 until after Week 14. A lot can happen between now and then, but the picture should become clearer as we approach Week 17.

RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
If you disagree with me in any way, you are wrong.

by Ace Venom on Nov 22, 2011 8:18 AM CST up reply actions

Brady will get some cold weather games

and fall out too. This record is set up for Brees considering we only have 1 outdoor game left.

by touchdown my pants on Nov 22, 2011 8:14 AM CST reply actions

This is a very good point

Cold weather will impact the final numbers for Brady and Rodgers. Even if Brees doesn’t break the record and still cracks 5,000 yards, he’ll have the most 5,000+ yard passing seasons in NFL history.

RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
If you disagree with me in any way, you are wrong.

by Ace Venom on Nov 22, 2011 8:20 AM CST up reply actions

I say no he dont break it

Because somewhere back in the deep corners of SP’s brain he will realize we need to work on the running game more to win in GreenBay in Jan and he will start emphasising the run
Hell we have 4 great running backs start to work on run blocking

by mississippisaintsfan on Nov 22, 2011 8:32 AM CST reply actions

Brees was left in the game against the Rams this season for a shot to get a passing touchdown

You think SP will try to keep Brees from getting the record?

RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
If you disagree with me in any way, you are wrong.

by Ace Venom on Nov 22, 2011 8:35 AM CST up reply actions

Brees may get 800 combined yards against the Giants and Lions alone.

by tommy v on Nov 22, 2011 8:55 AM CST up reply actions

He likes to shine on prime time.

by tommy v on Nov 22, 2011 8:56 AM CST up reply actions

You're kidding right?

This is a pass first team and always will be. Sean Payton emphasizing the run? Pfft please.

by Valmo on Nov 22, 2011 4:32 PM CST up reply actions

then we will be 1 and done in the playoffs

unless our first game is at home then we will lose the second game eoither in GB or San Fran

by mississippisaintsfan on Nov 22, 2011 6:28 PM CST up reply actions

Who gives a crap about records? Didn’t Brees break records in 2007? And 2010? I don’t remember because it doesn’t really matter. Just win, baby. Even if you have to hand off half the time.

"He’s a stupid person’s idea of what a smart person sounds like." -E. Klein

by stujo4 on Nov 22, 2011 9:10 AM CST reply actions

Marino's record has been considered one of the unbreakable records

Of course, with all the rule changes made to benefit offensive production, that thought may go by the wayside.

RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
If you disagree with me in any way, you are wrong.

by Ace Venom on Nov 22, 2011 9:30 AM CST up reply actions

with all the rule changes

Exactly. It’s a different era. Apples to tangelos.

"He’s a stupid person’s idea of what a smart person sounds like." -E. Klein

by stujo4 on Nov 22, 2011 9:52 AM CST up reply actions

IMO

It could just as easily be that this truly is the golden age of quarterbacking. In particular, Brees > Marino hehe. Remember, most of these rules were in place in the 90s and no one was coming close to these records.

Personally, I don’t think he’ll get it. This is a pattern of the last 5 years or so in the NFL as it feels like it happens every season. X player starts off on a monster pace, experts say “derp derp derp well I feel like this is the year we finally see Y accomplished” or “herpa derpa derp I’m not surprised at all given the rule changes” and then by the end of the year no one ends up with stats that are really that special (Brady/Moss 07 excluded, obviously). I mean, I remember last year the talking heads were POSITIVE that Rivers was going to break it.

by JellyPhantom on Nov 22, 2011 1:35 PM CST up reply actions

most of these rules were in place in the 90s

Marino retired after the 1999 season. There have been rule changes in the last decade that favor the quarterback and his receivers, enabling a more wide open passing game. To imply that the rules affecting the passing and receiving game haven’t changed significantly since 1999 is wrong.

I hope she's happy, old Clapper too.

by stujo4 on Nov 22, 2011 2:04 PM CST up reply actions

That stick up my ass was getting uncomfortable. Whew! Here are the rule changes I could find:

2000 The “Bert Emanuel” rule was implemented. A receiver has to have possession of the ball and control of the ball. If when making a catch and falling to the ground, the ball is allowed to touch the ground and still be considered a catch if the player maintains clear control of the ball.
2001 Roughing the passer will be strictly enforced.
2004 Due to several instances during the 2003–04 playoffs, officials are instructed to strictly enforce illegal contact, pass interference, and defensive holding.
2006 Defenders were prohibited from hitting a passer in the knee or below unless they are blocked into him.
2007 A completed catch is now when a receiver gets two feet down and has control of the ball. Previously, a receiver had to make “a football move” in addition to having control of the ball for a reception.

Not that much change. I take it back, JellyRollPhantom. Like you said, they’re passing more. As my close personal friend and confidante Pat Kirwin wrote last year, it’s a pass happy league but maybe not really. Pat doesn’t like to take a stand.

I hope she's happy, old Clapper too.

by stujo4 on Nov 22, 2011 2:21 PM CST up reply actions

Except as applies to Saints players in 2011

2004 Due to several instances during the 2003–04 playoffs, officials are instructed to
strictly enforce illegal contact
, pass interference, and
defensive holding
.

R.I.P. Andy Rooney

by cajuncommando58 on Nov 23, 2011 2:13 PM CST up reply actions

While I agree, and also the Saints and Brees share your mentality

If you can get it, I say get it. It it’s a risk that could cost the team, then no.

by Valmo on Nov 22, 2011 4:34 PM CST up reply actions

more handoffs = less interceptions, I think, or at least less chance of INTs

WIN NOW
WINGRAMANIA!!!!

by Hans Petersen on Nov 22, 2011 6:51 PM CST reply actions

and

more handoffs (with the same o-line play and playcalling as the first 8 games) = many more punts = fewer points for us + more points for them = :-(

by Dan Kelly on Nov 27, 2011 12:45 PM CST up reply actions

Yes

And on a sidenote, isn’t everyone tired of the sportcasters who won’t even mention Brees? He’s beating Rodgers and Brady for this record, but they keep saying one of those two will get it. It almost as annoying as the Old Navy mannequin commercials they used to air.

Congratulations Spike, you're the new Rainbow Dash.

- Twilight Sparkle

R.I.P Troy Davis- Gone too soon.

by were gonna need a bigger boat on Nov 23, 2011 8:39 AM CST reply actions

the Old Navy mannequin commercials they used to air.

I liked those.

He's got a house in the country, and a big sports car.

by stujo4 on Nov 23, 2011 9:16 AM CST up reply actions

The new Target lady is creepy! Your thoughts?

by Dan Kelly on Nov 27, 2011 12:45 PM CST up reply actions

I agree

Supposedly rodgers is gonna break it and hes having the best year ever by a qb. Brees has very similar stats minus the ints. Guess the difference is the 0 losses.
same thing happened few years back when brees got no mention bc of manning and brady.

Id like to know when rodgers jumped brees as an elite qb. It was always manning brady then brees. Now its rodgers brady then brees. Rodgers hasnt done anything more than brees. Both won a SB, both have lead their teams to 10-0, I dont get it

by touchdown my pants on Nov 23, 2011 9:41 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

Flavor of the month...

He’s had his SB more recently. Plus Green Bay taps into a large market of people willing to buy his jerseys and whatnot. Drew and his small-market Saints are last year’s news. Add all that to three losses, and what’s really left to talk about?

We've got a date with Destiny. And it looks like she's ordered the lobster.

by Doc Boudin on Nov 23, 2011 11:37 AM CST up reply actions

Funny….pretty much everyone I’ve ever seen comment on this from a media perspective has said it will be Brees who breaks it if anyone due to the Dome and not playing in cold weather like GB and NE.

-Lombardi was wrong...it's the internet, not fatigue that makes cowards of us all. But then again, what do you expect. Not like the guy could see the future.

by jeff.l.b on Nov 23, 2011 2:27 PM CST up reply actions