NFL Week 17: Seven from Sunday

by Dave Cariello on Jan 2, 2012 3:00 PM CST

Official NFL Release

A look at seven statistical highlights from games played at 1:00 p.m. ET and 4:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 1, 2012 the final week of the 2011 regular season.

Three quarterbacks - DREW BREES of New Orleans (NFL single-season record 5,476 yards), TOM BRADY of New England (5,235) andMATTHEW STAFFORD of Detroit (5,038) - reached the 5,000-yard mark this season, more than the previous combined total in NFL history. Entering 2011, only two quarterbacks in NFL history had ever passed for at least 5,000 yards in a season (Pro Football Hall of FamerDAN MARINO, 5,084 in 1984 and Brees, 5,069 in 2008).

New Orleans quarterback DREW BREES completed 28 of 35 passes (80 percent) for 389 yards with five touchdowns and one interception for a 140.7 passer rating in the Saints' 45-17 win over Carolina. Brees set NFL-single season records for passing yards (5,476), completions (468), completion percentage (71.2 percent), 300-yard passing games (13) and consecutive 300-yard passing games (seven). The Saints set NFL-single season records for total net yards (7,474) and net yards passing (5,347).
Green Bay quarterback MATT FLYNN set single-game franchise records by passing for 480 yards and six touchdowns in the Packers' 45-41 win over Detroit. Making just his second career start, Flynn is the first quarterback in the Super Bowl era to pass for six touchdowns in one of his first two career starts. The Packers (15-1) are the sixth team in NFL history to win 15 regular-season games in a season. Detroit quarterback MATTHEW STAFFORD passed for a club-record 520 yards and tied the team's single-game record with five touchdown passes. Stafford is the first quarterback in NFL history with three games with at least five touchdown passes in his first 29 career games. It marked the first game in NFL history in which both starting quarterbacks each passed for at least 400 yards and five touchdowns. The two teams combined for 971 net passing yards, the most in a single game in NFL history.
The New England Patriots erased a 21-0 first-quarter deficit to defeat Buffalo 49-21, the second consecutive week in which the Patriots won a game after trailing by at least 17 points. It marked the 11th time this season that a team trailed by at least 17 points and came back to win. That is the most such comeback victories in a single season in NFL history. The Patriots are the first team in NFL history to trail by at least 21 points after the first quarter and come back to win by more than eight points. With the victory, New England clinched home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. Patriots quarterback TOM BRADY threw three touchdown passes and reached 300 in his 161st career game. That is the third-fewest games to reach 300 career touchdown passes, trailing PEYTON MANNING (157 games) and Pro Football Hall of Famer DAN MARINO (157).
For the 16th consecutive season, at least five teams will qualify for the playoffs that were not in the postseason the previous year. Six teams - San Francisco (13-3, NFC West champions), Houston (10-6, AFC South champions), Detroit (10-6, Wild Card), Cincinnati (9-7, Wild Card), Denver (8-8, AFC West champions) and the winner of tonight's Dallas-New York Giants game (NFC East champions) - did not make the playoffs in 2010 but have done so this season.
New England tight end ROB GRONKOWSKI had eight catches for 108 yards and two touchdowns and New Orleans tight end JIMMY GRAHAM had eight catches for 97 yards and one touchdown. Both Gronkowski (1,327 yards) and Graham (1,310) passed Pro Football Hall of Famer KELLEN WINSLOW (1,290 in 1980) for the most receiving yards in a single season by a tight end.
New Orleans's DARREN SPROLES had 168 combined net yards (54 kick return, 45 punt return, 40 rushing, 29 receiving) in the Saints' victory. Sproles finished the season with 2,696 combined net yards (1,089 kick return, 710 receiving, 603 rushing, 294 punt return) and passedDERRICK MASON (2,690 in 2000) for the most in a single season in NFL history.

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Comments

This has got to be a record too.

The Saints have broken more records in a single season than any other team in NFL history.

Correct me if I’m wrong.

Drew Brees....MVP Saint! Who Dat!!!

by cajuncommando58 on Jan 2, 2012 4:14 PM CST reply actions

Think how many records were broken in the first season.

It’s hard to top all of them.

by AJG on Jan 2, 2012 6:01 PM CST up reply actions

I think that would be considered the standards.

The records being broken would follow.

Drew Brees....MVP Saint! Who Dat!!!

by cajuncommando58 on Jan 3, 2012 7:22 AM CST up reply actions

Then think how many records were broken the second season.

by AJG on Jan 6, 2012 10:46 PM CST up reply actions

Doesn't mean any were broken the next season.

Drew Brees....MVS Most Valuable Saint! Who Dat!!!

by cajuncommando58 on Jan 7, 2012 11:00 AM CST up reply actions

Then proudly lean back and reflect on how intelligent you are. Touche, cajuncommando.

by AJG on Jan 7, 2012 1:40 PM CST up reply actions

This was an insane season offensively

Three of the top five seasons in passing yards came this season. When you account for Eli Manning, four of the top ten seasons in passing yards occurred in 2011.

1) Drew Brees (2011) – 5,476
2) Tom Brady (2011) – 5,235
5) Matthew Stafford (2011) – 5,038
6) Eli Manning (2011) – 4,933

Two of the top five and four out of the top ten seasons for passing touchdowns occurred in 2011.

4) Drew Brees (2011) – 46
5) Aaron Rodgers (2011) – 45
7) Matthew Stafford (2011) – 41
9) Tom Brady (2011) – 39

Three of the top ten seasons for passes completed also occurred.

1) Drew Brees (2011) – 468
5) Matthew Stafford (2011) – 421
9) Tom Brady (2011) – 401

Two of the top five seasons for pass attempts:

3) Matthew Stafford (2011) – 663
5) Drew Brees (2011) – 657

Five out of the top ten seasons for passing yards per game:

1) Drew Brees (2011) – 342.3
2) Tom Brady (2011) – 327.2
6) Matthew Stafford (2011) – 314.9
9) Aaron Rodgers (2011) – 309.5
10) Eli Manning (2011) – 308.3

Aaron Rodgers had the 12th best season all time in terms of yards per attempt (9.2), tying Peyton Manning’s 2004 effort and many other seasons. Drew Brees had the highest single season completion percentage (71.2%).

Three of the top ten seasons for passes completed per game:

1) Drew Brees (2011) – 29.3
6) Matthew Stafford (2011) – 26.3
10) Tom Brady (2011) – 25.1

Two of the top ten seasons for pass attempts per game:

5) Matthew Stafford (2011) – 41.4
6) Drew Brees (2011) – 41.1

Two of the top ten single season passer ratings:

1) Aaron Rodgers (2011) – 122.5
8) Drew Brees (2011) – 110.6

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 Jan 2, 2012 6:02 PM CST reply actions

Drew Brees had the highest single season completion percentage (71.2%).

…breaking his “old” record from way back in ’09.

"Move over Marino, there's a new Brees coming through town!"-Jim Henderson

by BRSaintsFan on Jan 2, 2012 6:11 PM CST up reply actions

That was a great vintage.

It’s not the size of your TOP, it’s how you use it!
Want scientific proof? Read this paper by Dr. Jeremy Arkes.

by Dan Kelly on Jan 2, 2012 11:07 PM CST up reply actions

Not to diminish any of the offensive records...but

This was an insane season offensively

largely because it was a crummy season defensively

by snowboard_kat on Jan 3, 2012 12:33 AM CST up reply actions

Touche’

Stupid people are like slinkies. They're not really useful for anything, but it's still fun to watch them tumble down stairs.

by hooahsaint2.0 on Jan 3, 2012 12:37 AM CST up reply actions

Boo.
Coldpizza rubbing off on you? Don’t answer that.

In Breesus' name we play

by Breesus Christ Superstar on Jan 3, 2012 8:50 AM CST up reply actions

Seriously is passer rating really the ONLY thing MVP is based on?

Because I am all for having a co-MVP but at this point it really seems unfair to only make Rodgers MVP.

by SarahT on Jan 2, 2012 6:16 PM CST reply actions

If it was

Drew Brees should have won it in 2009 as he had the best passer rating in the league that year.

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 Jan 2, 2012 6:19 PM CST up reply actions

Besides the interceptions that's the main argument I keep hearing so that I why I am asking

by SarahT on Jan 2, 2012 6:21 PM CST up reply actions

The passer rating and the wins are the big argument

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 Jan 2, 2012 6:30 PM CST up reply actions

Wins are a team statistic… his defense and the turnovers are a big part of their wins.

(yeah yeah.. bad defense… lots of yards…. BS… TURNOVERS are king.)

It’s not the size of your TOP, it’s how you use it!
Want scientific proof? Read this paper by Dr. Jeremy Arkes.

by Dan Kelly on Jan 2, 2012 11:10 PM CST up reply actions

if someone mentions interceptions… you need to remind them that ARod had 4 fumbles that aren’t included in that stat… but total turnovers should be considered, because it is part of the position to maintain control of the ball.

It’s not the size of your TOP, it’s how you use it!
Want scientific proof? Read this paper by Dr. Jeremy Arkes.

by Dan Kelly on Jan 2, 2012 11:09 PM CST up reply actions

No, its just based on the best player on the team that wins the most games. Team effort be damned. The media needs a storyline and one man doing it all is more interesting.

"I want to hand this trophy to the MVP of the Super Bowl -- and the MVP of the entire league.''
-- Saints coach Sean Payton, handing the Vince Lombardi Trophy to Drew Brees after Super Bowl 44.

by VAsaintsfan on Jan 2, 2012 6:51 PM CST up reply actions

the MVP should be P. Manning

his team really showed how valuable he is…………..let hissy fits begin.

--- I don't miss the alcohol as much as I miss having the built in reason on why I'm nekkid in public.
--- I used to want to be an inspiration to my son. now i just hope to be a dire warning.
--- just two men and a dog making candles
--- I know i'll win my battles though i fear we'll lose the war
--- if you find yourself in a fair fight you failed in planning.

by maybetoday on Jan 2, 2012 7:05 PM CST reply actions

Most Valuable Player

Peyton Manning did not play, thus he can’t be the most valuable player.

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 Jan 2, 2012 7:08 PM CST up reply actions

I have to agree with Ace Venom

That failing to play disqualifies Manning this year. I also have to agree with you though insofar as the Colts have retroactively MASSIVELY justified the four MVP awards he already has.

by Fromalabama on Jan 2, 2012 7:49 PM CST up reply actions

holy hell,

it was light hearted and in jest. just pointing out how valuable he seems to be to them. just stiring the pot. but thank you Ace for your valuable (and obvious) correction.

by maybetoday on Jan 2, 2012 9:13 PM CST up reply actions

no one has a sense of humor anymore maybetoday

by snowboard_kat on Jan 3, 2012 12:35 AM CST up reply actions

I thought it was funny

Stupid people are like slinkies. They're not really useful for anything, but it's still fun to watch them tumble down stairs.

by hooahsaint2.0 on Jan 3, 2012 12:38 AM CST up reply actions

so did I :)

by snowboard_kat on Jan 3, 2012 12:42 AM CST up reply actions

Haha

Omg people it’s called sarcasm

by SarahT on Jan 3, 2012 12:44 AM CST up reply actions

what is this sarcasm you speak of?

In Breesus' name we play

by Breesus Christ Superstar on Jan 3, 2012 8:55 AM CST up reply actions

Peyton Manning

Should win the world record for being the most important addition to a sports team in the history of sports.

by crescendo2020 on Jan 2, 2012 9:28 PM CST up reply actions

Hello Saints fans

What a year for Brees and co right? Eclipsing Marino’s record and getting the Saints to a 13-3 record is an outstanding achievement. Its hard to imagine anybody beating Brees’ record now, but I guess if Stafford continues to throw the ball 60 times a game than it may not be out of reach.

I know Brees had a better year than Stafford did, but for this only being his first full season at the ripe old age of 23 yrs old and what he accomplished ( 10 wins and a playoff berth-41 tds-over 5,000 yds passing) I’d say we now have the best quarterback the Lions have ever had. Its too bad that Brees, Rodgers, Brady, and Eli had such a good year because Stafford would probably be MVP for his stellar season.

I’ve never seen a quarterback in my lifetime besides Dan Marino and Peyton Manning come in and play this good at such a young age. The Lions were 2-14 his first year and now they are in the playoffs and boast the best offense in Lions history. I’m very proud of my team as you Saints fans should be of Brees and the team.

Stafford and Brees are two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and I’m sure this game will be a shootout for the ages. Not certain the Lions will win, but I’m sure we can hang with our offense being so good. Its gonna be a barn burner Saturday!

From 0-16 to the Superbowl baby!

by DLions4Eva on Jan 2, 2012 8:37 PM CST via mobile reply actions

Matthew Stafford

Quietly eased himself into the top five. For such a good season, he hasn’t received any love. He’ll get some recognition though, especially if he continues to post numbers like this.

by crescendo2020 on Jan 2, 2012 9:24 PM CST up reply actions

Matthew Stafford

Biggest. Pro Bowl. Snub. Nuff said.

Mark Ingram-OROY
Cam Jordan-DROY
New Orleans Saints-2012 Super Bowl Champs
TOP IS GAWD!

by Alex Swift on Jan 3, 2012 6:35 AM CST up reply actions

Thank you

And yes, every Lions fan out there was outraged by that snub. Every expert out there said Stafford would be a good quarterback if he could stay healthy, well he stayed healthy and put up the 5th most yards in NFL history, but it wasn’t enough. 41 touchdowns wasn’t enough, 10 wins and a playoff berth for the 1st time since 99’ wasn’t enough, and being the best Lions quarterback EVER wasn’t enough.

I know you guys may not see every Lions game, but we get screwed by the refs every year somehow, someway. Hell, even Mike Pereria always seems to rule in the other team’s favor on calls. The NFL, players, and the refs do not respect the Detroit Lions and haven’t in a long time. 1 probowler on a playoff team that boasts the most prolific offense in team history? I rest my case.

From 0-16 to the Superbowl baby!

by DLions4Eva on Jan 3, 2012 11:03 AM CST via mobile up reply actions

Agreed for the most part.

We’ve also had more than our share of bad reffing. In the case of the Lions, it probably stems from (sometimes) overly aggressive play by Suh and the rest of your D-Line. The stomping incident definitely didn’t help the image, and we all know refs tend to penalize harder based off image(Roman Harper).

To be honest, Stafford was probably the only major snub from your team. None of your running backs played enough, Pettigrew wasn’t getting in, and outside of Megatron, none of your receivers deserved it. Based on the few times I did see you play, it didn’t really look like your defense deserved anybody in either, although I wouldn’t take my opinion of your defense to heart. I’m more of an offense guy, so if I don’t get to see your team much, I find it a bit more difficult to comment on the D.

Mark Ingram-OROY
Cam Jordan-DROY
New Orleans Saints-2012 Super Bowl Champs
TOP IS GAWD!

by Alex Swift on Jan 3, 2012 11:16 AM CST up reply actions

There were a few guys who should've made it

Suh might’ve had a downyear and a suspension, but he’s the best d-lineman we got and commands double teams on every play.

Cliff Avril has 12 sacks and leads the league in strip sacks with 6. He is our best pass rusher and should’ve at least gotten an alternate.

Stephen Tulloch our MLB is an all around tackeling machine and even has a couple picks and sacks, but he wouldn’t beat out Willis or guys like him anyhow.

Chris Houston our #1 corner has 5 picks and 2 for touchdowns, but he also got snubbed.

You could even throw Jeff Backus our left tackle in there as well, but the point is there were other guys who couldve or shouldve made it, but the NFL’s players/coaches aren’t wanting to put anymore Detroit Lions in the probowl than just Calvin.

Maybe next year though we will get those guys in, there is a lot of rollover players every year that get in on past seasons.

From 0-16 to the Superbowl baby!

by DLions4Eva on Jan 3, 2012 12:19 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

Suh wasn’t truly a snub. His suspension disqualifies him.

The others, however, probably were.

by FriarBob on Jan 3, 2012 2:21 PM CST up reply actions

Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers should share the MVP

Both of their individual efforts for the 2011 regular season are not only historical, but are too incredible to overlook.
Both players have broken fantastic records.
Both have lead their teams to the playoffs with great records.
Aaron Rodgers:
Broke the record for highest single season QB rating (122.5). It’s safe to assume that he would have also broken Tom Brady’s single season TD record as well. (He was at 45 TD in fifteen games, and his back-up Matt Flynn got six TD in game 16)
He had the second highest completion % for the season. (68.3%)
The highest yards per attempt (By a large margin-9.25)
45 TD/6 Int
If this isn’t one of the all-time greatest single-season QB performances, I don’t know what is.
Drew Brees:
Most importantly, he broke; no, shattered Dan Marino’s single-season yards record. (5,476)
Passed Marino’s mark incredibly in 15 games. Wow.
Broke his own previous record of single-season completion % (71.2)
Broke, three games in a row, his record (which he was sharing previously) for 300+ yard games in a season. (13).
Most 4,000+ yard seasons in a row. (6 tied with Peyton Manning)
Most career 5,000+ yard seasons.
Plus a few other completions, attempts, etc. records.
46 TD/14 Int
Also, another interesting fact. He passed Joe Montana this season in total career yards.
There is no denying that this is one of the most impressive single-season QBing in the history of the NFL.

These two should share the MVP honors. If either of them don’t get it, it’s a travesty.
Honorable mentions: Tom Brady, Matthew Stafford (If Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees didn’t exist, the MVP would likely go to one of these two, probably Brady)

by crescendo2020 on Jan 2, 2012 9:18 PM CST reply actions

Hmmmnnn

Is there a reason that half of my post is crossed out? Is my computer screen being wierd, or did I get auto-edited for some reason?

by crescendo2020 on Jan 2, 2012 9:32 PM CST up reply actions

maybe the computer disagrees with you on those points

I just had a rap with Santa and we took us a little stroll
And all I want for Christmas is the Saints in the Super Bowl

by Hans Petersen on Jan 2, 2012 10:24 PM CST up reply actions

Haha I bet you're right. My computer holds the record for being the only computer to ever have an opinion on something.

by crescendo2020 on Jan 2, 2012 10:26 PM CST up reply actions

lol...

you started and ended some lines with dashes… and SBN tought you wanted them to be strikeouts.

It’s not the size of your TOP, it’s how you use it!
Want scientific proof? Read this paper by Dr. Jeremy Arkes.

by Dan Kelly on Jan 2, 2012 11:12 PM CST up reply actions

Oh, hehe

I suppose I should reconsider my writing format then. At least it’s still legible.

by crescendo2020 on Jan 3, 2012 6:42 AM CST up reply actions

MVP

If Rodgers is the MVP, why was Flynn able to go in as back-up and put up better numbers than him ALL YEAR in his second ever game as a pro against a quality defensive team that had to win?

Stupid people are like slinkies. They're not really useful for anything, but it's still fun to watch them tumble down stairs.

by hooahsaint2.0 on Jan 3, 2012 12:47 AM CST reply actions