Michael Thomas has been having himself a historic year for the New Orleans Saints and he made history on Sunday. Against the Carolina Panthers, Thomas posted the most first-quarter catches by a Saints player since 1991 per ESPN Stats and Info.
Michael Thomas' 6 1st-quarter receptions are the most by a Saints player in the 1st quarter since Eric Martin in 1991
Additionally, Thomas has now recorded his 3rd straight season with 100+ receptions; only Antonio Brown has a longer such active streak (6 seasons). pic.twitter.com/v7CXIUuh7A
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 24, 2019
In the first quarter, Thomas was able to corral six receptions for 49 yards versus the Panthers. That is the most receptions by a player in New Orleans in the first quarter since Eric Martin.
Along with surpassing Martin's record, Thomas has now totaled 100 receptions already in 2019. By doing so, Thomas now has three consecutive seasons with 100 or more receptions.
The only player in the NFL who has a longer streak of 100 or more receptions is Antonio Brown. Brown currently has six straight seasons of 100 or more receptions; which will likely come to an end this season.
Before Week 12, Thomas came into Sunday's game with 94 receptions, 1,141 yards, and five touchdowns. The All-Pro wide receiver is on pace to end the season with a whopping 150 receptions, 1,825 yards, and eight touchdowns.
In the event that Thomas would tally 150 receptions, he would eclipse Marvin Harrison's single-season record of receptions. Harrison's record has stood since 2002 when he hauled in an impressive 143 receptions from Peyton Manning.
What's most impressive about Thomas' season thus far is that it hasn't mattered who is under center. Drew Brees has missed five games due to a thumb injury and Teddy Bridgewater was the starter.
While Bridgewater was the starting quarterback, Thomas didn't miss a beat and continued to terrorize opposing defenses. The Panthers are finding out yet again just how tough it is to contain Thomas and the Saints' passing attack.
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