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New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas entered Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers needing just two catches to make some team history. His 98 receptions put him in a good spot in the season finale, and he delivered. The first came on a deep ball from Drew Brees, resulting in a 43-yard gain for the Saints. He got his 100th catch late in the second quarter.
The previous franchise record was held by Jimmy Graham (2011), who hauled in 99 catches for the Saints, breaking the previous record of 98 receptions by Marques Colston (2007).
Entering the game, Thomas said, “It’s a blessing just to be in that position, to have that opportunity. And then just thankful for the support system I have, the people around me. The opportunity to be in this position, I’m just real grateful and blessed.”
Thomas needs five receptions to make NFL History, as he can become the new standard for the most catches over a player’s first two seasons. Jarvis Landry had 194, and Odell Beckham Jr. had 187. Thomas entered with 190 catches.
Thomas, who has been stellar in his second year, was recently voted to the Pro Bowl.