New Orleans Saints: Michael Thomas snags two records in win vs. Titans

New Orleans Saints’ receiver Michael Thomas broke records for most catches in a single season as well as most receiving yards in his first four seasons. 

The New Orleans Saints improved to 12-3 and keep aspirations of the NFC’s No. 1 seed alive in a winning effort. However, it was Michael Thomas who stole the show.

For seventeen seasons Marvin Harrison held the record for most receptions in a single-season with 143.  Thomas would need eleven catches heading into the week 16 match up to best that mark.

Taysom Hill would set the stage by throwing a dart to Thomas for a first down and record-tying catch.  The Saints would feed the ball to their superstar for the remainder of the drive.

With 3:13 left in the 4th quarter and his team looking to put away their twelfth win, Thomas hauled in catch number 144 for thirteen yards and a potential touchdown.  Official review would take away the touchdown, but the record would officially belong to “Can’t Guard Mike.”

Two plays later, Thomas would extend the record to 145 with a touchdown grab from Drew Brees.  This would also prove to be the game-deciding score, improving the Saints to 12-3.

The records didn’t stop there for Thomas.  Randy Moss would give way to Michael Thomas for most receiving yards in his first four NFL seasons.  Moss previously set the mark in 2001 at 5,396 yards.

In addition to breaking two records, Thomas extended his own record of 10+ catch games in a single season.  Sunday marked the ninth time Thomas has caught ten or more passes.  Thomas’ final stat line ended with twelve catches for 136 yards and one touchdown.

Time and time again, Thomas has proved that he is the catalyst of this Saints offense and undoubtedly the best receiver of 2019.  While Thomas has not been in many serious discussions among national media for MVP, the case is easily made.

Next week, the Saints will look to improve their seeding in the NFC playoff race while Thomas pads the record books.