Drew Brees Throws 48th Straight TD Pass, Breaks Unitas’ All-Time Record
By Josh Hill
Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE
Yes, we all hate the Saints. But we do have to revel in Drew Brees and his epic awesomeness at doing what he does. The man Bucs fans love to hate has broken one of the most illustrious records in NFL history, and we need to pause and recognize and acknowledge that.
Heck, the Saints are 0-4 so it’s not the worst thing in the world if we pat Bree on the back to congratulate him.
It was almost bound to happen, the only question was when and to who. Drew Brees entered tonight’s game with 47 straight games in which he’s thrown a touchdown, tying a record held by legendary quarterback Johnny Unitas.
The when was on the Saints second drive and the who was Devery Hendersron.
This latest record that now belongs to Brees is just one of a slew of accomplishments he’s racked up over his illustrious and eventual Hall of Fame career. Brees has come along way since he was cut almost a decade ago by the very team he was going up against tonight. Not only is he an MVP, but he’s a Super Bowl champion and a hero to the city of New Orleans.
Lots of people forget that Brees began his career back in 2001 with the San Diego Chargers but was cut when the team traded on draft day for Phillip Rivers. It’s a story coming full circle in a way with Brees breaking one of his most impressive records against the team that could have reaped the benefits of his greatness had they given him a chance.
But instead, Brees has spent the last decade turning in the greatest era of Saints football in the franchises history. Just 12 years ago the franchise was celebrating it’s first ever playoff berth and since then they’re a staple in the postseason with Brees binging home the franchises first Super Bowl title in Super Bowl XLV.
Relatives of the late, great Johnny Unitas were on hand to watch and congratulate Brees for breaking the record of the guy many consider to be the greatest quarterback to ever play the game. Brees head coach Sean Payton was also granted permission and access to the game and cheer on a guy he’s watch throw every single one of his 48 touchdown passes.
“He’s every bit a part of this record.” Brees said before the game. He said the same of Assistant head coach Joey Vitt and owner Mickey Loomis who both declined to appear as a protest to the NFL.
Drew Brees has rarely been off in his career with the Saints and even with an 0-4 record, Brees has looked impressive in every game he’s played in this season. It’s only a matter of time before we consider Brees the best quarterback to ever play the game as he’s really come out of nowhere to slash the record books and splatter his name all over them. From Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and all the popular names from the past decade, Brees has been abel to accomplish most of his statistics in the last half decade, making his accomplishments even more impressive.
Going 48 straight games throwing at least one touchdown pass is amazing, and with Brees most of those games featured more than one touchdown. This may be arecord that never gets broken, but if it ever does, whenever it does, we will be speaking as highly of Brees as we are of Unitas tonight.
And that right there puts into perspective not only this record but Drew Brees career up to this point, a career that looks far from over.