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n f l b o i l e r s 50K for brees BY KYLE CHARTERS KCharters@ GoldandBlack.com N early every week Drew Brees hits another career milestone, one that probably brings him closer to NFL first-ballot Hall of Fame candidacy. And the New Orleans' quarterback hit a major New Orleans Saints one Dec. 8, when he beDrew Brees has hit several milestones this season, including becoming only the fifth player in came the fastest player in NFL history to reach NFL history to pass for more than 50,000 yards. 50,000 passing yards. Only four quarterbacks — Brett Favre, Peyton Man- pass Dan Marino (61,361) sometime in 2016. Peyton ning, Dan Marino and John Elway — had done so Manning, who is No. 2, has about 64,000 yards and previously. But Brees' mark of 183 games beat out increasing. Manning's previous record of 191. It's not unfathomable that Brees reaches No. 1. "I don't know that anyone was really quite paying For him to do so, he'd need to average better than attention to when that happened or what play it hap- 4,000 yards over the next five seasons, or until the pened on," Saints coach Sean Payton told the New age of 39, to reach Favre's 71,838. Orleans Times-Picayune after the game. "But cerThe 2009 Super Bowl MVP and 2-time AP Offensive tainly it was brought up and made aware of. To be in Player of the Year, Brees has made seven Pro Bowls that class of four people now really hits on his con- and was a First-Team All-Pro in 2006. This is his 13th sistency, his durability, his availability, along with NFL season, having spent five with San Diego before his skill set. the last eight with New Orleans. "We are happy for him and obviously proud." Brees' record for consecutive games with a touchBrees has set other marks this season: down pass is safe for now, sitting at 54 straight; it • He's topped the 4,000-yard mark for an NFL-re- was kept intact when Tom Brady failed to throw a TD cord eighth consecutive season. in a game earlier this season, stopping the Patriots • He's thrown four or more touchdowns in 24 QB's streak at 52. games, the second-most in league history. But another of Brees' marks might soon be broken. • He has six straight seasons with at least 30 In 2011, the former Boilermaker threw for an NFL touchdown passes, which sets an NFL record. single-season record of 5,476 yards, breaking MariBut Brees, 34, could have his sights on the biggest no's long-standing mark. Manning, however, is on mark of all. pace to eclipse it, but just barely. Through 14 games, Next season, he'll likely pass Elway (51,475) for the Broncos quarterback was on pace for 5,498 yards fourth place on the all-time passing yardage list. If this season. j his pace of 5,100 yards per season continues, he'll 52 IllustrateD volume 24, issue 3 f