10 NFL records with a good chance to fall in 2020
By Matt Conner
Most Passes Defended in a Career
While he’s earned a couple Pro Bowl nods in his 14 seasons in the NFL, the spotlight has largely eluded veteran cornerback Jonathan Joseph. Despite playing in 200 games in long stints for only two teams, Joseph is often overlooked for players with flashier stats or, in recent years, more potential. The reality, however, is that Joseph has been a valuable corner for a very long time, the perfect example of an under-appreciated career.
Maybe he’ll earn a greater share of that spotlight if he breaks the NFL record for most passes defended in a career in 2020. Joseph is learning the ropes with a new team after signing a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans. If he can earn another starting spot, or garner enough reps, he should be able to surpass Hall of Fame great Champ Bailey, who owns the current mark with 203 batted passes.
Ronde Barber sits at No. 2 on the list with 197 and then Joseph comes in third at 194. He needs only 9 to pass Bailey, and Joseph has had only one season lower than that total in his 14 year career, back in 2010 when he had only 8. He had 13 in each of the last two years, so it’s clear he’s still productive enough to set the mark even as he approaches his late thirties.
In his career, Joseph also has 755 tackles, 31 interceptions, and 7 forced fumbles.