Another Record for Peyton Manning

23 Dec, 2013

Peyton Manning broke Tom Brady’s single-season record with his 51st touchdown pass, the last of four on Sunday in Denver’s 37-13 win at Houston. New England’s Brady set the mark in 2007, beating Manning’s previous record of 49 in 2004 with Indianapolis.

“I think it’s a unique thing and a neat thing to be a part of NFL history, even though it may be temporary,” Manning said after the Broncos (12-3) clinched the AFC West and a first-round playoff bye. “So I’m going to enjoy it as long as it lasts, and hopefully the Hall of Fame will send the ball back once somebody throws for more.”

He has a career-high 5,211 yards passing this season, third in NFL history and 265 yards shy of the 5,476 yards Drew Brees gained in 2011.

“I’m grateful for people that helped me along the way and I’ve certainly put some time and work into it,” Manning said when asked if he could have predicted grabbing back the record. “But no, it would be hard to say you could have imagined this at that point, so we’re excited about the win and hopefully we can keep it going next week.”

Manning regained his record with 51 when he threw for 400 yards, with three touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The 51st was on a 25-yard pass to Julius Thomas with 4:28 remaining. Just 2 1/2 minutes earlier, he tied the mark with a 20-yard pass to Eric Decker.

He entered the game with 47 and his first touchdown came on a 36-yard pass to Demaryius Thomas in the second quarter. The second was a 10-yard throw to Decker earlier in the fourth period.

AP

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