Lions WR Nate Burleson still believes he can gain 1,000 yards

Detroit Lions WR Nate Burleson still believes he can be a 1,000 yard receiver this year, despite having broken his arm last week in a car accident.

“When I get back, I’m still going to try to go after that 1,000 yards. So that means I’ve got to have enough games to do it, which means I should be back soon.” Burleson said in an interview with the Detroit News, per ProFootballTalk.

While this is a great goal to have for the wideout, it seems a bit unrealistic. Through the first three games of the season, Burelson has gained 239 yards for the Lions. At that rate of rate of production, Burelson would need nearly 10 games to get to 1,000 yards receiving. Burleson believes he won’t miss too much time with his injury, but he would practically need to be back playing in three weeks time to have a chance. Not only that, but Burleson has only once eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark, which he accomplished in 2004 with  Daunte Culpepper slinging the rock with the Minnesota Vikings.

Certainly, the Lions must appreciate Burleson’s attitude, can certainly could use the receiver’s help. While RB Reggie Bush has been great for the Lions, and is certainly drawing attention away from WR Calvin Johnson, QB Matthew Stafford could certainly use Burleson back on the field. Besides Johnson, and running backs Bush and Joique Bell, WR Kris Durham has been the Lion’s most productive receiver, with 5 receptions for 102 yards.

Just in case you missed it last week, Burleson’s car accident came when try to make a spectacular catch on a pizza sliding off his car seat.

If it’s up to Burleson, he’ll be making those catches again sooner rather than later.