Could Tom Brady Break Peyton Manning’s Record for TD Passes in a Season?
While many reporters are looking at the Patriots chances of going undefeated (even ringing up members of the ‘72 Dolphins a couple of months early), what should also be examined now is the possibility that Tom Brady could set the single season record for touchdown passes.
After throwing for 3 more scores against the Browns on Sunday, Brady now has 16 over the first 5 games. This means he’s on pace to toss 51 touchdowns for the season, which would best Peyton Manning’s 2004 record of 49 TD passes. Here’s a quick look at the remaining teams the Patriots have to face, and how they currently rank in pass defense (based on yards per game allowed, care of ESPN):
Dallas Cowboys - 15th
Miami Dolphins - 2nd (they play twice)
Washington Redskins - 13th
Indianapolis Colts - 7th
Buffalo Bills - 32nd
Philadelphia Eagles - 17th
Baltimore Ravens - 22nd (Wow!)
Pittsburgh Steelers - 8th
New York Jets - 27th
New York Giants - 14th
It certainly appears that the next 4 weeks will be more difficult than the beginning of this season has been; however, it should be noted that the Dolphins pass defense is ranked highly because teams are finding it much easier to simply run the ball down their throats.
Also, as yesterday’s game showed yet again, Tom has an amazing knack for seeing what the defense is trying to take away from him, and then exploit a different match-up. When he had difficulty getting the ball to Randy Moss, he went to Ben Watson (6 catches, 102 yards, 2 TD’s) and Donte’ Stallworth (4 catches, 65 yards, 1 TD) instead. In addition, his offensive line kept him squeaky clean again, not letting the Browns sack him once (speaking of squeaky clean, here’s a site that’s much cleaner that this filthy one…).
So could Brady pull it off? Hey, the way the Patriots are playing right now, anything’s possible…
Tom Brady, New England Patriots, Peyton Manning, touchdown passes in a season, record
October 8th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
Very smart post. I’m not sure if Brady can do it or not, but there is definitely the potential. Think back on the receivers he’s had in the past and the way he’s played. Now add in the new additions, and a a record breaking season certainly is possible.