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Week 8 of the NFL regular season has often been a pivotal time for teams. As midseason approaches, players push themselves to new heights, and some have managed to etch their names into the record books.
Let’s look at some of the most memorable performances and records set during Week 8.
The Washington Redskins’ defense left its mark on Baltimore Colts quarterback Bert Jones during a brutal Week 8 matchup in 1980. Jones was sacked 12 times, setting the NFL record for the most sacks taken in a single game.
Washington’s relentless pressure was a nightmare for the Colts’ offensive line, making it nearly impossible for Jones to find any rhythm. Despite his resilience, the constant pressure wore him down, and this record stands as a testament to both Jones’ endurance and the dominance of the Redskins’ defense that day. The 12 sacks remain the most times a quarterback has been taken down in a regular-season game.
Calvin Johnson, one of the most dominant wide receivers in NFL history, delivered an unforgettable performance in Week 8 of the 2013 season. Johnson racked up 329 receiving yards for the Detroit Lions in a game against the Dallas Cowboys.
The performance fell just shy of the record of 336 yards but is still the highest total in a regulation game. Johnson’s size, speed and hands were on full display, as he torched the Cowboys’ secondary. From short catches turned into long gains to deep passes over defenders, “Megatron” was unstoppable. This monumental performance helped cement his legacy as one of the NFL’s greatest receivers.
Terrelle Pryor may not be remembered for having the most successful NFL career, but he certainly made an impact during Week 8 of the 2013 season. Playing for the Oakland Raiders, Pryor set the record for the longest run by a quarterback with a jaw-dropping 93-yard touchdown run against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
On the first play from scrimmage, Pryor faked a handoff and kept the ball on a read-option play. He burst through the line, outran the defense and entered the end zone untouched. The run showcased his athleticism and speed, setting a record that still stands as the longest run by a quarterback in NFL history.
Cordarrelle Patterson is known for his electric playmaking abilities, particularly in the return game, and during Week 8 of the 2013 season, he set the record for the longest kickoff return in NFL history.
Playing for the Minnesota Vikings against the Green Bay Packers, Patterson returned the opening kickoff 109 yards for a touchdown. He fielded the ball deep in the end zone, weaved through would-be tacklers and used his elite speed to break free down the sideline. The 109-yard return is the longest possible distance a player can cover on a kickoff, as it started from the very back of the end zone. Patterson’s return electrified the Vikings’ home crowd and remains one of the most iconic special teams plays in NFL history.
Zach has been a published sports writer since 2018 specializing in college football & basketball, MLB and NFL content for multiple publications.