Jaylen Waddle inches closer to NFL history in Monday Night Football

It seems like only a matter of time before Jaylen Waddle makes NFL history. The Dolphins rookie receiver caught his 93rd pass of the season Monday against New Orleans, surpassing Saints receiver Michael Thomas for the second-most receptions by a rookie.

Anquan Boldin set the record with 101 catches in 2003 with the Arizona Cardinals. Waddle still has a half left to play Monday as well as two games in Week 17 and 18.

Miami led New Orleans by score of 10-3 at the break. Waddle so far has seven catches for 62 yards in the game. Entering the contest, he had accumulated 849 yards to go with four touchdowns.

A first-round selection out of Alabama, much was expected from the talented receiver. Despite not playing the majority of his final season with the Crimson Tide because of an ankle injury, he showed no rust. His yardage ranks third in the league among rookie behind Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase and Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts.

After a 1-7 start to the season, Miami finds itself in a desperate push to make the playoffs. The Dolphins have won six straight games and can get their record above .500 with a victory Monday night. It would also move them into the AFC’s seven seed.

Miami controls its own destiny with games against Tennessee and New England still left on the schedule. If the Dolphins win out, they are in the postseason no matter what. Given their horrific start, that would be quite the accomplishment.

But winning those games will be no easy feat. Both are currently in the playoffs, with the Patriots sitting at first place in the AFC East. But Miami has already defeated New England once this season in Week 1. That should give the Dolphins confidence they can do it again.

Although Miami’s playoff status remains up in the air, Jaylen Waddle making NFL history does not. The rookie is destined to break the league record, possibly as soon as next week.