Peyton Manning is Breaking Bad (And NFL Records)
Excellence and Expectations for the Denver Broncos Quarterback
It goes without saying that Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is having a great season thus far. The 37-year-old quarterback and his record-breaking exploits has led the squad from Mile High City to a 5-0 record, tied for the best mark in the NFL through Week 5 of the 2013 NFL regular season.
As impressive as his history-altering feats is the fact that he has led the Broncos to not only the immaculate record, but most of the wins came via remarkable one-sided blowouts. Except for the down-the-wire game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, the Broncos have won by an average margin of victory of 22.0 points in the first four outings.
Here’s a look at three of Manning’s feats so far this season, and like the start QB, we’re stepping it up further by looking at the projected numbers and his chances to break more records.
Second All-Time in Passing Yards
Manning finished with 414 passing yards versus the Cowboys in Week 5 to up his total to 61,371, getting ahead of NFL legend Dan Marino’s 61,361 yards. Next target for Manning? Surefire Hall-of-Famer Brett Favre’s 71,838 passing yards which is #1 all-time.
The Target: All-Time Leader in Passing Yards
The Math: Manning is short 10,467 yards off Favre’s mark. He averages 367.8 passing yards through five games this season and if he stays healthy all season long, he’ll be within reach of the record by 2014 midseason.
Most Touchdowns through 5 Games of a Season
Manning had 4 touchdowns versus the Cowboys, upping his total TD to 20 for the 2013 NFL regular season to 20. This is the best mark in league history through five games, breaking Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper’s 18 during the 2004 NFL season.
The Target: All-Time Leader for Most Touchdowns in a Season
The Math: The record for most touchdowns in a single season is at 50, held by New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Short 30 TD going into Week 6, he needs to average more than 2 TD a game the rest of the way in 2013.
Highest Scoring Team through 5 Games of a Season
Powered by Manning, the Broncos now own the highest points total (230) through five games of a regular season. The previous record was at 213 points set by the St. Louis Rams, led by Kurt Warner in 2000.
The Target: All-Time Leader (Team) for Most Points in a Season
The Math: The New England Patriots with Tom Brady hold the record for most points in a season (589) established in 2007. If Denver and Peyton want to break this record, they need to average 32.6 points per game in the last 11 Broncos games this season. The Minnesota Vikings is 2nd all-time in total points in a season at 556 set in 1998 and the Washington Redskins at 3rd with 541 points (1983).