Drew Brees, Saints keep rolling through the record books

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Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints have become known for their record-setting ways this season. And they did not disappoint as they opened the playoffs Saturday with a 45-28 victory over the Detroit Lions.

The Saints accumulated 626 yards in total offense to break the postseason record of 610 yards, which was set by the San Diego Chargers in 1963. Not surprising for a team that set the league record for most yards from scrimmage this season (7,474).

“We just focus on winning. We’re not focused on yards and records,” Saints Coach Sean Payton said. “I’m serious when I say that.”

Brees passed for 466 yards, the most during a postseason game to end in regulation. Cleveland’s Bernie Kosar threw for 489 yards back in 1986 during an overtime victory over the New York Jets.

“We were pulling out all the stops,” said Brees, who broke Dan Marino’s 27-year-old record for most passing yards during the regular season. “We play aggressive. We’re not going to apologize for that. That gives guys in the huddle a lot of confidence. We’re not going to pull the reins back.”

The Saints’ offense probably won’t be re-writing the postseason record books again next week against a San Francisco defense that ranked fourth in the NFL in yards allowed. But while the 49ers were the stingiest team in the league when it came to rushing yards allowed, they ranked 16th in passing yards allowed (3,694).

And with Brees throwing the way he has all year ... well, we might want to keep an eye on Kosar’s record.

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-- Chuck Schilken

The Associated Press contributed to this report.