Megatron Makes History

Calvin Johnson Jr., or Megatron as he is affectionately called by NFL fans, not only broke Jerry Rice's single season receiving yards record, he absolutely obliterated it. Just a year after we saw Drew Brees break Marino's record for most passing yards in a season, fans got an early Christmas present in the fourth quarter of the Lions' loss to the Falcons. With a 225 yard performance, Megatron shattered Rice's record of 1,848 yards. Adding 44 yards before the clock read zeroes, putting him just 108 yard shy of 2000, a milestone that Rice had eyed his whole career to no avail.

Unfortunately, this record is coming under some murky circumstances. Anyone who watched the live broadcast heard Jon Gruden repeat seven or eight times that the majority of Calvin's yards have come on "meaningless throws" in garbage minutes and when the team had no choice but to throw. Make no mistake, Jerry Rice is the best receiver of all time and will be for quite some time, but Megatron earned every one of his 1,892 yards. Calvin faces double coverage on pretty much every play and is always the focus of opposing defensive coordinators. Secondly, you may have noticed the Lions have only played 15 games. That means that Megatron has another chance to put up his usual gaudy numbers. With the total he will reach likely being over 2,000 yards, there is no conceivable advantage that can take away what an amazing achievement this is.



Jerry Rice may be the greatest ever to touch an NFL field, but even he has recognized that he can see the 6'5 235 lb Calvin Johnson approaching in his rearview mirror. Four hours ago, Rice held every possible receiving record; now he holds all but one. Megatron has his eyes on the record books and the skills to put him with the best in Canton.