Saints quarterback Drew Brees passed Dan Marino’s 27-year old, single-season record for passing yards by throwing for 307 yards in Monday night’s 45-16 win over the Falcons as New Orleans clinched the NFC South. Marino threw for 5,084 yards in 1984.

There has been some criticism for the manner in which Brees got to the number as the Saints were still passing late in the game with a big lead, but take nothing away from the veteran’s accomplishment.

Comparing eras in the NFL is always difficult as much about the game has changed over the nearly three decades since Marino’s magnificent season.  The league is more pass friendly and more pass-heavy now, but Brees’ 2011 season still surpassed Tom Brady’s 2007 numbers, several great seasons by Peyton Manning and even all of Brees’ own Pro-Bowl campaigns.

To get to the mark Brees has thrown for 300 more yards in 12 of his 15 games, including eight games with over 350 yards. With a Week 17 tilt versus Carolina still on tap Brees will have a good chance to further pad his numbers.

It's easy to root for Brees. Check out his post-game comments to his team below and you will agree:

Fantasy Football, NFL new orleans saints, drew brees, dan marino, nfl record, single-season passing yards

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Peter King compares Ken Anderson to Dan Marino…

Average yards per pass attempt:
Marino 7.34
Anderson 7.34

Completion percentage:
Marino .594
Anderson .593

“Neither won a Super Bowl. Both played in one. Both lost to Joe Montana. Each was two games below .500 as a post-season quarterback. I'm not saying Anderson belongs in the same breath with Marino. Of course he doesn't. Marino did it better, and for longer, and had to carry a franchise on his back for most of 17 years. But what Anderson did for 16 years in Cincinnati is rightfully getting some attention today -- as in Hall of Fame consideration kind of attention. I'm not saying he belongs -- I've always thought of him as a Hall of Very Good member -- but I have to say I'm open to the argument. This being the biggest reason: Ken Anderson was scouted and hand-picked by Paul Brown and his offensive assistant, Bill Walsh, and when Anderson got drafted, he was trained in the same basic offense Joe Montana would be trained in less than a generation later by the same coach, Walsh.”

COMPLETE ARTILCE (SI.com)

NFL cincinnati bengals, ken anderson, dan marino, pro football hall of fame