Brashna Kasi
On October 13, 1985, Phil Simms carved his name into the annals of NFL history with a record-breaking performance that showcased his exceptional skill as a quarterback for the New York Giants. Despite a nail-biting loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, Simms proved his mettle by passing for 513 yards, a feat that captured the attention of football fans everywhere.
The Record-Breaking Game
Playing under the hot sun in Cincinnati, Simms faced a daunting deficit. The Giants fell behind 21-0 early in the game but rallied valiantly. He completed 40 out of 62 pass attempts, marking a then-record for the most attempts in a single game. With 29 completions translating into first downs, Simms demonstrated his ability to move the chains and keep his team competitive.
- Total passing yards: 513
- Complete passes: 40
- Attempts: 62
- First downs from completions: 29
- Touchdowns thrown: 1
- Interceptions: 2
Despite outgaining the Bengals 470-199 in total yards, the Giants fell short with a final score of 35-30. Turnovers and missed opportunities played a crucial role in the defeat, but Simms’ determination and performance did not go unnoticed.
Simms’ Season Performance
The 1985 season was pivotal for the Giants and for Simms personally. Over the course of the season, he completed 275 passes for a total of 3,829 yards and threw 22 touchdowns. This impressive performance led the Giants to a 10-6 record and a spot in the playoffs as a Wild Card team.
However, their journey ended abruptly when they faced the formidable Chicago Bears in the divisional round. The Giants were shut out, losing 21-0 in a game that highlighted the Bears’ dominant defense.
The Legacy of Phil Simms
Phil Simms’ career with the Giants spanned 15 seasons, and he accumulated notable achievements that solidified his place in NFL history:
- Total completed passes: 2,576
- Passing yards: 33,462
- Touchdowns: 199
- Pass completion rate: 55.4%
- Passer rating: 78.5
- Playoff completions: 157 for 1,679 yards and 10 touchdowns
Simms’ accolades include two Super Bowl championships in Super Bowl XXI and XXV, along with a Super Bowl MVP award for his performance in XXI. He was also selected for the Pro Bowl twice and earned All-Pro honors in 1986. His impressive statistics in the Super Bowl remain unmatched, holding records for completion percentage at 88% and a passer rating of 150.9.
A Closer Look at NFL Passing Records
While Simms set the stage in 1985, his record of attempts would eventually be surpassed. Noteworthy quarterbacks who exceeded 67 pass attempts in a game include:
- Drew Bledsoe: 70 attempts in 1994
- Vinny Testaverde: 69 attempts
- Patrick Mahomes and Jared Goff: among those who reached similar heights
These instances show how the game of football has evolved, with coaches now more willing to let their quarterbacks air it out.
Conclusion
Phil Simms’ remarkable day against the Bengals stands as a testament to his prowess on the field. Although the Giants may have lost that game, the record-setting performance showcased Simms’ talent and grit, cementing his legacy in the NFL. As the Giants continue to look toward future seasons, they will always carry the memory of Simms’ spectacular achievements and unmatched determination
