NFL Record Breaking Moments of 2010

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jan 3, 2011

NFL Record Breaking Moments of 2010

Tom Brady

What hasn't Brady done this season? He led the Patriots to a stellar 14-2 record despite losing his top weapon in Randy Moss, and the Pats enter the playoffs as the AFC's No. 1 seed and the clear favorites for the Lombardi Trophy. Along the way, Brady capped off his stellar season with several milestones: In Week 4 (top left) he became the fastest quarterback of the Super Bowl era to reach 100 wins; In Week 13 (bottom left) he set the record for consecutive home wins with 26; and in Week 16 (right) Brady set the mark for consecutive pass attempts (319) without an interception. But Brady wasn't the only player to have a landmark season. Here are some others who also had record-breaking moments.

Tony Gonzalez

No position's Hall of Fame credentials are harder to forecast than tight end. But it'll be hard to deny Gonzalez, who in 2010 became the first tight end in history to record 1,000 career receptions and 12,000 career receiving yards.

Chicago Bears

In Week 11 the Chicago Bears became the first NFL franchise to win 700 regular-season games. And they did so in spectacular fashion: a 16-0 shutout of the Miami Dolphins.

Ronde Barber

They may look alike, but the elder Barber (by seven minutes) has clearly outpaced Tiki as the NFL star in the family. Playing in his 14th NFL season, Ronde set two records during the 2010 season. In Week 6 (inset), Barber made the 172nd straight start of his career, surpassing Dick Lebeau's previous record for straight starts by a cornerback. At season end, his record sits at 183 games and counting. Later, in Week 11 he became the first player in NFL history to record 40 interceptions and at least 25 sacks during their career.

Brett Favre

Despite his off the field turmoil and little on-field success, Favre managed to make his mark on the record books in 2010. He further separated himself from the quarterback pack by eclipsing 500 career touchdowns and 70,000 career passing yards, and he broke John Elway's record for starts at a single stadium, with his 119th start at Lambeau Field in Week 7.

New York Jets

The Jets redefined the term "Kardiac Kids" in 2010, as several of their games were decided in the closing minutes. Two such games, Week 9 against the Lions and Week 10 against the Browns, set an NFL record. Week 9 saw the Jets unable to put away the pesky Lions, only defeating them at Ford Field in overtime. Week 10 was more of the same, as the Jets again needed overtime to down the Browns in Cleveland. The combined victories made the Jets the first team in league history to win consecutive overtime games on the road.

Devin Hester

It took former Washington Redskins return specialist Brian Mitchell 13 seasons to set the record for most special teams return touchdowns at 13. During Week 15 Devin Hester broke Mitchell's record with his 14th special teams return touchdown, in only his fifth NFL season.

Sam Bradford

Skeptics said Bradford was the beneficiary of a pass-friendly Big 12 and knocked his arm strength, especially given that he was recovering from surgery on his throwing shoulder. The Rams were believers however, and made Bradford the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft. He rewarded their faith by bringing the Rams to the cusp of a playoff berth and setting the rookie record for most completions, as well as most pass attempts.

New York Giants

Despite missing the playoffs, the Giants' defense had a historic year. Lead by cornerstones such as Justin Tuck (91) and Osi Umenyiora, the Giants set the NFL record for fumble recoveries in a season with 22.

Peyton Manning

It was a tough season for Manning and the injury-ravaged Colts, the quarterback carried his team to the playoffs and set a record in the process. Manning finished the season with 450 completions, a single-season record, and tied Dan Marino's record of 63 games with at least 300 yards passing.