Brees Surpasses Marino Passing Record in Win Against Falcons

By Newsroom America Staff at 27 Dec 2011

(Newsroom America) -- Drew Brees threw four touchdown passes Monday night on his way to shattering Dan Marino's single-season passing record, while leading the New Orleans Saints to the team's second division championship in three years.

With two regular season games left heading into Monday Night Football against the NFC South division rival Atlanta Falcons (9-6), Brees needed just 305 yards in order to surpass Marino's 27-year-old record of 5,084 yards.

"This record isn't about one person. There might be just one name that goes in ledger under the record, but it's really about the team," Brees said in a speech to teammates in the Saints' locker room after the game. "I want everyone to feel a huge part of this, that this record would not have been possible without them."

Brees and the rest of the New Orleans (12-3) squad made it look easy against the Falcons, blowing past them 45-16 on their way to a division title and, they hope, their second Super Bowl appearance in three years. The Saints beat the Indianapolis Colts in 2009 to win their first national championship in franchise history.

"Honestly, I was really trying not to think about the record or anything," Brees said in a post-game interview. "I knew we were close. A couple guys mentioned stuff to me on the sideline. I didn't want to hear it. It's like a pitcher with a no-hitter, I guess."

The record-breaker came on a nine-yard touchdown toss to running back Darren Sproles late in the fourth quarter. Brees finished with 307 yards passing on the night, his 12th 300-yard game this season, an NFL record with one game left in the season.

It was his sixth consecutive 200-yard game, which ties an NFL record that is also shared by Steve Young, Kurt Warner and Rich Gannon.

Brees threatened Marino's record once before, in 2008, when he finished the regular season with 5,069 yards.

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