Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson had a historic game against the Cowboys on Sunday, catching 14 passes for 329 yards. The yardage total was the second-highest single-game total in NFL history, just shy of the 336 yards that the Rams' Flipper Anderson had in a game in 1989.
Calvin Johnson, Lions discuss receiver’s historic game vs. Cowboys
The Lions receiver went off for 329 yards against the Cowboys on Sunday. Hear what he, his teammates and his coaches had to say about the incredible performance.
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Anderson’s record came in overtime, with 296 of those yards coming in regulation, so Johnson’s is the most ever in a 60-minute game.
Johnson had seven catches of at least 20 yards in the game, the third time in his career that he’s done that. No other player has done that since Johnson came into the league in 2007. He has more 200-yard games in his career (five) than Jerry Rice had (four) over his career. Rice’s career spanned 303 games compared to the 99 games that Johnson has played in so far.
Johnson spoke with ESPN's Sal Paolantonio after the game regarding his incredible performance in the Lions' thrilling 31-30 victory over Dallas on Sunday. Here's what he had to say about his final catch, a 22-yard reception that set up Matthew Stafford for a game-winning 1-yard touchdown keeper:
”Matt (Stafford) told me to keep my head, to get my head around for him and I just wanted to get a good release off the line. I got a good release, created space, and Matt threw right behind the defenders head.
Teammates and coaches had more to add about Johnson’s performance. Head coach Jim Schwartz added that Johnson still isn’t even fully healthy.
Schwartz on Calvin's performance:"Just wait until he's 100 percent."
— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) October 27, 2013
Center Dominic Raiola couldn't seem to believe what was happening.
Raiola on Calvin Johnson: "You should hear it. We're in the pocket, (guys are saying) 'Oh my god. Oh my God.'"
— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) October 27, 2013
Reggie Bush was certainly enthusiastic about the play of his teammate.
Calvin Johnson is the greatest receiver in the history of the NFL! #dropsthemic
— Reggie Bush (@ReggieBush) October 27, 2013
At least one person was happy that Johnson fell short of the record. Flipper Anderson’s son had this to say:
YESSSSSSS!!!! My Dads Record Stays Alive
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