The 2011 regular season is now in the books. There were some amazing statistical achievements this season in the NFL. Here are the top five featuring marks by players on offense and special teams.
1. Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints throws for 5,476 yards. Drew threw for more yards in a single season than anyone in NFL history breaking Dan Marino’s record of 5,084 set in 1984. Although the NFL is now a passing league this is still a remarkable achievement. It should also be mentioned that Tom Brady also surpassed Marino’s mark throwing for 5,235 yards.
2. Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots catches 17 touchdown passes to lead the NFL. Rob caught more TD passes in 2011 than any tight end in league history. The previous mark of 13 was held by Vernon Davis and Antonio Gates. Gronkowski also set a new single season yardage mark for tight ends with 1,327 yards receiving.
3. Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers rushes for 14 touchdowns. Cam shattered the mark for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a single season. Steve Grogan had set the previous record with 12 rushing TDs in 1976. Cam also set the record for most passing yards by a rookie with 4,141. That mark was previously held by Peyton Manning.
4. Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears returns his 12th punt for a touchdown. Devin broke the previous record of 10 held by Eric Metcalf. Hester is also the NFL record holder for most combined returns with 17.
5. Patrick Peterson of the Arizona Cardinals ties the NFL record for most punt return touchdowns in a season with four. Peterson shares this mark with four other men including Devin Hester who accomplished the feat in 2007.
In order not to leave out the defensive players, here are some honorable mentions.
Jared Allen of the Minnesota Vikings records 22 sacks. This is one half of a sack shy of the record held by Michael Strahan. Of course if Brett Favre had not just fallen down and let Strahan record his last sack the record would be shared by Allen and Mark Gastineau.
Aldon Smith of the San Francisco 49ers comes up just short of the NFL record for most sacks in a rookie season. The record is 14.5 by Jevon Kearse. Smith finished the 2011 season with 14.