Each Wednesday throughout the 2005 NFL season, Profootballhof.com examines a current NFL record.
The quarterback sack, a term created by Hall of Famer Deacon Jones, has long been a measure of success for defensive linemen. However, the sack did not become an official National Football League statistic until 1982. As such, the Minnesota Vikings’ Doug Martin became the “first” record holder for sacks in a season when he led the NFL in 1982 with 11½ sacks.
In 2001, Michael Strahan of the New York Giants set the current league mark for sacks in a single season. He accumulated 22.5 sacks that year to surpass the record previously owned by Mark Gastineau of the New York Jets since picking up 22 sacks during the 1984 NFL season.
Strahan totaled 184 yards on those sacks that included a season high four sacks for 28 yards against the St. Louis Rams on October 14, 2001. He earned Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year honors for his efforts that year.
Progression of a Record – Sacks, season
22.5 – Michael Strahan, New York Giants, 2001
22.0 – Mark Gastineau, New York Jets, 1984
19.0 – Mark Gastineau, New York Jets, 1983
11.5 – Doug Martin, Minnesota Vikings, 1982
Other Milestones
Paul Krause - Career interceptions
LaDainian Tomlinson - Consecutive games scoring a touchdown
Willie "Flipper" Anderson - most yards receiving, game
Marvin Harrison - Most receptions, season
1978 Patriots - Most yards gained rushing
Tom Dempsey - Longest field goal
Jerry Rice - Career receptions
Eric Dickerson - rookie rushing mark