American Football: Tomlinson inspires assault on records

At this stage of the season, the prospect of qualification for next month's play-offs should be of primary concern for the NFL's 32 teams. However, this weekend saw further evidence of outstanding individual achievement, with some of the game's most enduring records being erased.

Last week, the San Diego running back LaDanian Tomlinson, established a new all-time high when he scored his 29th touchdown of the season. In his side's 20-9 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night, Tomlinson continued his assault on the record books, with 199 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

He has now scored 186 points so far this season, eclipsing the old mark of 176, set 46 years ago by Paul Hornung of the Green Bay Packers.

In his 16th campaign, the Packers' talismanic quarterback Brett Favre broke Dan Marino's record of 4,967 career pass completions during his side's 17-9 victory over Detroit. In his 255th consecutive game, Favre established the record with a 21-yard pass to Carlyle Holliday late in the second half. The veteran passer claimed to be unaware of his milestone until the referee, Ed Hochuli, came over to shake his hand.

Two more records were broken by the Atlanta Falcons during their 38-28 reverse against the Dallas Cowboys. The Atlanta quarterback, Michael Vick, eclipsed the 34-year-old record for most rushing yards by a quarterback, with 990 yards. And the veteran kicker, Morten Andersen, became the sport's all-time leading points scorer with 2,437.