The NFL has a new single-season reception record holder.
With his 11th reception Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints wideout Michael Thomas blasted past Marvin Harrison with his 144th catch on the season.
Thomas nearly scored a TD on this record-setting catch, but his diving attempt fell just short of the end zone. Thomas would not be denied, however, and gave the Saints a 10-point with with a 2-yard score just a few plays later.
Thomas has dominated this season as the Saints top target, beating double-teams, triple-teams, and any converge defenses tossed his way with futile effort.
"To be honest, it doesn't really mean nothing," Thomas said of breaking the record, per ESPN. "I don't take it for granted. But the fact that we still have more goals as a team -- as far as not the individual stuff that comes along with it -- I would be selfish to be like, 'Oh, I just caught all these passes and did all this.' Ultimately I was catching the passes to win the game, to help my team be in the position we're in now.
"So I just want to keep catching passes and end up where we're gonna be. ... That's ultimately what I'm here to do, and I feel like if I continue to do that I'll get more passes and I'll break more records."
Sunday's performance marked Thomas' ninth double-digit catch game of the season, and his sixth with 11 or more catches, including three straight tilts. He finished with 12 receptions for 136 yards and one touchdown.
The record-setter has dominated the season, easily outdistancing his fellow receivers in catches and yards. Entering Sunday, Thomas enjoyed a 219-yard lead in receiving yards and a 29-catch lead in receptions for the season.
Thomas not only passed Harrison's single-season receptions record Sunday, but he also blasted past Randy Moss (5,396) for the most receiving yards through a player's first four seasons in NFL history. And he surpassed Antonio Brown's record (265) for most receptions in a two-season span.
Thomas' combination of pristine route-running, ability to find open space, snap off routes and muscle defenders and ultra-sticky hands makes him a menace for defensive backs. Opponents know Drew Brees is targeting Thomas seemingly every play. None have corralled him this season.
With one game to spare, Thomas already set the receptions record. With the Saints still battling for playoff positioning, the dynamite receiver will add to that greatness in Week 17.
