Roddy White's 13 receptions against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday were not only a career-high - breaking his previous record of 12 set in 2007 - they were the third-most receptions in Atlanta Falcons history. Only William Andrews (1981) and Andre Rison (1994) caught more in a single game.
Most Receptions By A Falcon In A Single Game:
White's 13 catches were also the second-best day for a Falcon receiver in Week 1 behind only Rison's 14-catch day against the Detroit Lions in 1994. Across the entire NFL, White's 13 catches in the opening game rank him third behind only the aforementioned "Bad Moon" and Marshall Faulk.
The reception record for a Falcon receiver after two games is 26 held by (are we sensing a theme?) Rison. If Roddy has another day against the Cardinals like he did in Pittsburgh he could not only be the co-record holder in catches for the Falcons but the NFL leader as well.
Receptions Through The First Two Weeks Of A Season:
Curiously, after setting the NFL record for catches during the first two weeks of the season, Rison didn't reach double-digit receptions the rest of the way and finished with a modest 81 catches. It was also his last year in Atlanta before going on to play for five more teams.
Prepare your mind to be blown: In White's previous five openers he combined for 12 catches. Yes, the aggregate total of his five previous openers was less than Sunday's output. He jumped from 18th to 3rd on the Falcons' opening day receiving list with this game.
White's career-high in receptions is 88 set in the playoff season of 2008. He's currently on pace for 208 catches. I'm just saying.