Drew Brees: The New All-Time Single Season Passing Leader

On 2^nd down and goal from the nine yard line and with 2:51 left in the game, Drew Brees dropped back, passed and slung the ball into the history books. With his nine-yard touchdown pass to Darren Sproles came sole ownership of the all-time single season passing-yardage record for Brees.

Since September 8^th when Brees threw for a magnificent 419 yards against the Green Bay Packers in the season opener, he has been on track to shatter the record formerly held by the great Dan Marino. Brees continued his success throughout the season as he averaged a little less than 340 passing yards a game.

While Brees deserves much praise for his achievement, this was in fact a team effort from the start. The man who understands this the most is Brees himself. Moments after the clock struck zero, Brees addressed his team in the locker room. While he promised to keep it short and not too emotional, he attributed the team's success to the entire organization.

Starting with the coaching staff and Sean Payton, Brees’ success could not have been possible without their help and guidance. For six years now, Payton has been coaching Brees with his expertise, making him the prolific quarterback that he is today. The New Orleans Saints' front office also deserves recognition for bringing in key additions to the team, including Darren Sproles and Jimmy Graham.

Now of course, all the players deserve much acknowledgment for their part in Brees' accomplishment. The defense got the opposing offense’s squad off the field quickly, letting Brees get back to work, the running game set Brees up for success downfield in his passing, and last but not least, his receiving core made one spectacular catch after another all season long.

Many might think that Brees’ speech was clichéd and possibly even conceited, but that's just who Brees is. He honestly believes that his feat was a team effort.

The Saints are now in position to go into the playoffs as a top four seed and could be as high as the number two seed. With the leadership of Brees through the playoffs, don’t be surprised if the Saints make an appearance in the 2012 Super Bowl.