Matthew Stafford

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford warms up for Sunday's showdown against the conference-leading Cardinals. (AP Photo)

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The records continue to accumulate for Matthew Stafford.

The Detroit Lions quarterback has broken Dan Marino's record as the fastest to 20,000 passing yards in NFL history.

Stafford entered Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals needing 47 yards to reach the threshold. He passed it on a 30-yard pass to Golden Tate early in the second quarter. Detroit was trailing, 14-3.

Stafford reached 20,000 yards in his 71st game. Marino, the former Miami Dolphins great, accomplished the feat in 74 games.

The Lions' 26-year-old quarterback is no stranger to the history books. He became the Lions' all-time leading passer last year, then became the team's all-time leader in touchdown passes three weeks ago in London against the Falcons.

Former great Bobby Layne had held both marks.

Stafford last year became the most prolific quarterback in NFL history through his first 50 games. He threw for 14,069 yards, edging Kurt Warner (13,864), Marc Bulger (13,551), Marino (13,514) and Peyton Manning (12,939).

He also has 122 career touchdown passes, which ties Hall-of-Famer Johnny Unitas for fourth most by a player through 70 games.

Stafford hasn't been as productive as usual this season, entering the weekend with just 13 touchdown passes and averaging 277 yards per game. He's on pace for career lows in both categories for a full season.

But he's also on pace for his second-best completion percentage (61.4) and fewest interceptions (14), which has helped Detroit burst to a 7-2 start.

And no one can take away his place in history as the most productive young quarterback in league history.

Quickest QBs to 20,000 yards:

1. Lions' Matthew Stafford (71 games)

2. Dolphins' Dan Marino (74)

3. Colts' Peyton Manning (78)

4. Vikings' Daunte Culpepper (80)

5. Packers' Aaron Rodgers (80)

Detroit Lions vs. Arizona Cardinals -- Nov.16, 2014 19 Gallery: Detroit Lions vs. Arizona Cardinals -- Nov.16, 2014

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