Michael Thomas sets NFL record for most catches in a single season

Michael Thomas (Google Images)

The New Orleans Saints keep on breaking offensive records, however this particular record on Sunday was not broken by their star quarterback and future hall of famer Drew Brees of Dallas, Texas. With three minutes and 13 seconds left in the fourth quarter in a 38-28 New Orleans win over the Tennessee Titans, Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas of Los Angeles, California caught a 14 yard pass from Brees to break the National Football League record for most catches in a single season (144). Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania had the previous NFL record of 143 catches, which was set in the 2002 regular season.

Thomas was not at 144 catches for long. Right after Saints running back Latavius Murray of Titusville, Florida was stopped at the Titans one yard line for a one yard loss, Brees found Thomas in the end zone for a two yard touchdown pass and Thomas’s 145th reception this year to close out the scoring.

In 2019, Thomas not only leads the NFL in receptions. He also leads the NFL in receiving yards (1688) and yards per game (112.5). Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson has the NFL record for most receiving yards in a season as he had 1964 yards in 2012. Wes Chandler of New Smyrna Beach, Florida has the NFL record for most yards per game in a season as he had 129 yards per game with the San Diego Chargers in 1982. Johnson’s and Chandler’s records appear safe in 2019.

With the win, the Saints improve to a record of 12 wins and three losses. They can still finish first in the NFC, but need to beat the the Carolina Panthers next week, and hope that the San Francisco 49ers lose next week to the Seattle Seahawks, and that the Green Bay Packers lose either Monday night to the Minnesota Vikings or next Sunday to the Lions.