Even the Record Books Can't Guard Mike
During Sunday’s matchup versus the Atlanta Falcons, Saints wideout Michael Thomas placed himself atop the list of yet another NFL record. Prior to halftime Thomas caught his 400th NFL pass, making him the fastest player in NFL history to reach that mark in only 56 games played. Thomas passed the previous mark set by the former LSU standout Jarvis Landry, who caught 400 balls in 64 games between 2014-2017 with the Miami Dolphins.
Nov 10, 2019; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) runs after a catch against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
The former second-round pick and National Champion at Ohio State solidified himself as one of the best receivers in football last season, notching his first ever All-Pro selection. With a league-high 125 receptions to go along with his 1,405 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns in 2018, Thomas headed into the offseason in search of a new contract.
After a short holdout the Saints and Thomas agreed to a 4 year, $100 million contract extension. New Orleans' number one wideout not only signed as the highest paid wide receiver in the NFL, but also the highest paid of all-time.
Thomas’ performance in the 2019 season has been worth every penny of his record-breaking deal. Heading into a Week 11 game versus the division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Thomas leads the league in receptions (86), and receiving yards (1,027). On his current pace, Thomas would surpass former Colts legend Marvin Harrison’s record of receptions in a single season (143) and achieve over 1,800 yards in 2019.
“Can’t Guard Mike” has impressed since day one, being a stand-out performer in training camp his rookie season of 2016, and quickly becoming one of Drew Brees’ favorite targets. Thomas has become one of four wide receivers to eclipse 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons, joining the Buccaneers' Mike Evans, Bengals' A. J. Green and Vikings' Hall of Famer Randy Moss.
With seven games remaining in the regular season the Saints stand at 7-2 with a two-game lead over the Carolina Panthers for the lead in the NFC South. They face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-6) Sunday at 12 pm CST at Raymond James Stadium. The Saints defeated Tampa Bay back in week five of the season 31-24 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome behind a four touchdown day from Teddy Bridgewater, and 182 yards receiving from Michael Thomas.
