As we approach Week 4 of the 2023 NFL season, there’s a bubbling anticipation among fans for the history that could be written and the career milestones that might be reached by teams and players alike. Here’s a rundown of what to look out for:
Miami Dolphins: A Dash Towards History
The Miami Dolphins have kicked off the season with a blistering pace, marking a 3-0 for the second consecutive season. They’ve chalked up 1,651 total yards of offence, a record through the first three games of any season. Besides leading the league with 130 points scored, the second-most by a team through three games in NFL history.
A favourable outcome at Buffalo could see them joining the prestigious company of Dallas (2020) and New England (2021) to have at least 2,000 total yards of offence through their first four games of a season.
De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert, the Dolphins’ running backs, have a chance to etch their names in the history books. With two touchdowns, Achane could become the fourth player in NFL history with six touchdowns through his first three career games. On the other side, Mostert, currently leading the NFL with seven touchdowns this season, with two more touchdowns, will align himself alongside Pro Football Hall of Famers Jim Brown (1958) and Emmitt Smith (1995).
Coaching Milestones: Bill Belichick & Andy Reid
Moving to the sidelines, New England head coach Bill Belichick and Kansas City head coach Andy Reid are on the cusp of achieving monumental career milestones. With a win at Dallas, Belichick could become the third head coach in NFL history with 300 career regular-season wins. Simultaneously, a win at the New York Jets would see Reid entering the esteemed group of five head coaches with 250 career regular-season wins.
The Quick-Fire Quarterbacks
Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes is just a touchdown pass away from becoming the fastest player to reach 200 career touchdown passes. A feat he could achieve in his 84th career game, shattering Dan Marino’s record of reaching this milestone in 89 games.
In the same breath, Buffalo’s Josh Allen, with three touchdowns against Miami, could surpass Cam Newton for the third-most combined passing and rushing touchdowns by a player in his first six seasons in NFL history.
Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts: Sprinting into Records
Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts is carving a name for himself with a stellar performance that has seen the Eagles winning 20 of their past 21 regular-season games under his helm. His rushing prowess puts him on a pedestal to join Cam Newton and Josh Allen as the only quarterbacks in NFL history with at least 30 rushing touchdowns in their first four seasons.
San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey: Keeping the Streak Alive
San Francisco’s running back Christian McCaffrey has been on a scoring spree since Week 13 of the 2022 season, with a touchdown in 12 straight games, including the postseason. A touchdown against Arizona could see him joining an elite club of players to have scored in 13 consecutive games since 1990.
Minnesota’s Dynamic Duo
Minnesota’s quarterback Kirk Cousins and receiver Justin Jefferson are other names to watch. Cousins, leading the NFL with 1,075 passing yards, is eyeing to join Kurt Warner (2000) as the only players in NFL history with at least 325 passing yards in each of their team’s first four games of a season.
As Week 4 of the NFL unfolds, it’s not just about winning and losing; it’s about the history that could be made, the records that could be broken, and the legendary status that could be attained.