Single-Season Records

Johnny Unitas’ NFL record of 47 consecutive games with a touchdown pass stood for 51 years before Drew Brees threw a TD pass in his 48th consecutive game in 2012. He extended his NFL record streak to 54 games.

It may take a while but most records eventually fall. Most. But is there one record that is untouchable?

That was the question we posed in our NFL Power Poll this week. We asked our panel of former players, coaches, officials, talent evaluators, writers and broadcasters if there was a record that may never be broken and offered up four options: Eric Dickerson’s 2,105 rushing yards in 1984; Devin Hester’s six kick/punt return touchdowns in 2007; Dick “Night Train” Lane’s 14 interceptions in 1952; and LaDainian Tomlinson’s 31 touchdowns in 2006.

Hester got the nod with 104 of the 176 votes cast. Night’s Train was next with 44 votes, followed by Dickerson with 19 and Tominson 9.

Hester returned four punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns for the Chicago Bears in 2007. But the NFL has been changing the rules since then to minimize the return game in the interest of player safety. There were only nine combined kick and punt returns for touchdown in 2022 by eight different players.

“The erosion of kick-return opportunities in the NFL means someone would likely have to beat Hester's return mark with all punt returns,” said Gerry Sandusky of WBAL-Radio. “If anyone gets as many as three punt returns for a TD in a season, special-teams coordinators will simply instruct their punter to punt the ball out of bounds. Pretty tough to break a return record when you don't get to return the ball.”

Lane intercepted 14 passes in his rookie season with the Rams in 1952. The Hall of Fame cornerback went on to play 13 more seasons but managed double figures in interceptions just one more time – 10 in 1954. His 68 career interceptions are a record for a pure corner and he has named to the NFL’s 100th anniversary team.

“It’s actually a difficult call between Hester and Lane,” said Bruce Castleberry, the sports editor of the Boston Herald. “Kick returns have been regulated down. But the deciding factor? 1952. There's a reason that mark hasn't been threatened since the Truman Administration.”

Added Hall of Fame voter Ira Kaufman of JoeBucsFan.com: “It's been more than four decades since any NFL player has registered more than 11 picks. Pass defense has become a lost art because of a succession of rules designed to promote offense. Ballhawks are in short supply,”

In our second question, we focused on the game of the week – 4-0 San Francisco versus 3-1 Dallas on Sunday night. The game features two of the game’s best defenses. The Cowboys have allowed the fewest points in the league and the second fewest yards. The 49ers have allowed the third fewest points and the fourth fewest yards.

Our pollsters overwhelmingly liked the home team, giving the 49ers 153 of the 176 votes cast.

“The 49ers have knocked the Cowboys out of the playoffs the last two years and the Cowboys haven't lived up to their hype since 1995,” said former Hall of Fame voter Vito Stellino. “The amazing thing is how popular they still are.”

Added Castleberry: “Dallas is vulnerable in run defense and the Niners have McCaffrey. San Francisco has the Cowboys’ number.”