Stafford passes way into record book
Matthew Stafford set career highs and also broke some NFL rookie passing records as he guided the Detroit Lions to a thrilling last second win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
Stafford’s 422 yards passing eclipsed the single-game mark for a rookie that was set by Matt Leinart of the Arizona Cardinals (405 yards) in a game on Nov. 26, 2006.
Detroit’s first-year QB also became just the second rookie quarterback in NFL history to throw five touchdowns in a game. The Chicago Bears’ Ray Buivid first accomplished that feat on Dec. 5, 1937.
Here’s a look of how Stafford’s passing yardage against Cleveland compares to the best rookie games by the QBs enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame who began their career since 1970.
| QB | Team | Season | Most Passing Yds/Game (Opponent) |
| Troy Aikman | Dallas Cowboys | 1989 | 379 vs. Phoenix Cardinals |
| Terry Bradshaw | Pittsburgh Steelers | 1970 | 211 vs. Denver Broncos |
| John Elway | Denver Broncos | 1983 | 345 vs. Baltimore Colts |
| Dan Fouts | San Diego Chargers | 1973 | 254 vs. Denver Broncos |
| Jim Kelly* | Buffalo Bills | 1986 | 342 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Dan Marino | Miami Dolphins | 1983 | 322 vs. Buffalo Bills |
| Joe Montana | San Francisco 49ers | 1979 | 36 vs. St. Louis Cardinals |
| Warren Moon* | Houston Oilers | 1984 | 365 vs. Indianapolis Colts |
| Steve Young* | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 1985 | 277 vs. Green Bay Packers |
| *First year in NFL. Kelly and Young played in the USFL and Moon in the CFL prior to joining the NFL. | |||
Stafford's “damaged” jersey and football arrive in Canton
The NFL’s first overall pick last spring is now represented in the Pro Football Hall of Fame after his record-setting day in Week 11.
Fan’s Choice tour stops in Denver
John Elway, Kellen Winlsow, and Gary Zimmeramn were on hand prior to the Broncos-Chargers game on Sunday for the fourth stop in the Van Heusen Pro Football Hall of Fame Fan’s Choice tour.