Written by: Tyler Deakin
The 2021 NFL season promises to be the most exciting yet with the addition of a 17th game to the docket. I’m not sure about you guys, but I’m all for watching more football on Sundays. This development also means that several NFL single season records could fall in 2021. That statement may surprise some people given that we’re only talking about adding 1 more game here; however, some of these records were nearly broken last year in a 16-game slate. Without further ado, here is my list of NFL single season records that could fall in 2021.
Passing yards: Peyton Manning (2013)
Peyton Manning was on fire during his infamous 2013 season, shattering the single season records for passing yards (5,477) & passing touchdowns (55). Nobody is likely to touch his mark for passing TDs mark anytime soon, although Patrick Mahomes is certainly capable. There are several candidates to best Manning’s passing yards record this year though, including Patrick Mahomes, Deshaun Watson (maybe), Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, & Matthew Stafford. Watson & Mahomes were the top 2 leaders in passing yards last year, while Brady, Roethlisberger, & Stafford each have 5,000+ passing yards seasons under their belts. Brady was closest amongst active players to setting the record, finishing with 5,237 yards in 2011.
Rushing yards: Eric Dickerson (1984)
Eric Dickerson bulldozed his way to 2,105 rushing yards & 14 rushing TDs in 1984, earning NFC Player of the Year & All-Pro status along the way. He rushed for more than 100 yards in a game 11 times that season, which is another NFL record. I believe that Derrick Henry could top Dickerson’s single season rushing yards record this upcoming year. There’s no question that Henry is the Titans feature back & focal point of the offense, and now teams will have to devote resources to covering both AJ Brown & Julio Jones on the outside which will create more favorable running lanes for Henry to exploit. This development should help him improve on his 2,027 yards from last year & allow him to break the record if he stays healthy.
Sacks: Michael Strahan (2001)
Many have tried & many have failed to break Michael Strahan’s record of 22.5 sacks in 2001. Jared Allen, Mark Gastineau, & Justin Houston all got closest to breaking the mark with 22 sacks each. There are a few contenders to set the record this year though, including Aaron Donald, JJ Watt, Shaq Barrett, Chandler Jones, & Myles Garrett. Donald & Watt are the closest to shattering the record with 20.5 sacks each, while Barrett & Jones also got close with 19.5 & 19 sacks, respectively. Garrett’s career high in sacks is 13.5 in 2018, but he’s a talented ascending player who shouldn’t be counted out. What’s interesting here is that Watt & Jones are teammates on the Cardinals defense now, how will offenses attempt to counter the duo this year?
Forced fumbles: Charles Tillman (2012) & Osi Umenyiora (2010)
Bears defensive back Charles Tillman was nicknamed “Peanut” by his aunt for him being a small baby shaped like a peanut at birth. His teammates caught on to this fact, and his infamous Peanut Punch play tied Tillman for the record with 10 forced fumbles in 2012. This mark was originally set by Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora in 2010. Ravens DB Marlon Humphrey carries on the Peanut Punch legacy & tradition, as evidenced by his 8 forced fumbles last year. Steelers LB TJ Watt could also soon challenge for the crown with 8 forced fumbles in 2019.
Field goals made: David Akers (2011)
It’s impossible to score touchdowns on every offensive drive, which is why having a great kicker on your team is essential to success. Fortunately, the league has some fantastic young kickers in the game right now such as Justin Tucker, Harrison Butker, Rodrigo Blankenship, Jason Sanders, & Younghoe Koo. Any one of these guys could surpass David Akers single season record of 44 field goals made. They aren’t the only ones either, as old-timers Stephen Gostkowski, Greg Zuerlein, & Robbie Gould could also overcome the mark in the right situations. Gould in particular is the closest active kicker in recent years to besting Akers’ mark.
Closing Remarks
Football fans are poised to watch several NFL single season records fall in the next few years due to the addition of Week 18 to the schedule. Michael Strahan’s sacks record will be tough to beat, but we might see some of Manning & Dickerson’s records fall this year. There are some records though, such as LaDainian Tomlinson’s absurd 28 rushing TDs in 2006, that will likely never be broken even with the added game. It’s important to note that the players who set these records are often current or future Hall of Famers. They are the elite who are in constant competition with their peers to earn Greatest Of All Time (G.O.A.T.) status at their positions.
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